Reform of the so-called “triple lock” on deploying Irish troops overseas was in Fianna Fáil’s general election manifesto and will not undermine neutrality, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said in advance of a meeting of his party that will discuss the matter this evening. His remarks come after a group of Fianna Fáil backbenchers raised concern that Government plans to scrap the triple lock constitute a “fundamental change” to party policy.The policy requires a decision by the Government, the Dáil and the United Nations before deploying more than 12 troops overseas. Approval of the United Nations Security Council, over which the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France possess veto power, is the part facing reform.A letter authored by Limerick City TD Willie O’Dea – and signed by around a dozen or more TDs – was sent to the party before its regular meeting on Tuesday evening. It outlines the changes to the legislation should be discussed “as a matter of urgency”.“This is in view of the fact that this constitutes a fundamental change in traditional Fianna Fáil policy as enunciated in successive ardfheiseanna, policy manifestos, public statements etc.”It goes on: “The ‘Triple Lock’ was also a central factor in enabling the Government to persuade the Irish people to support the Nice and Lisbon referendums.”Cabinet this month approved the text of the Defence (Amendment) Bill 2026, which would remove the need for Security Council approval to deploy more than 12 Irish Defence Forces personnel overseas.Any future deployment would require only the approval of the Government and the Oireachtas, should the Bill be enacted.The Government argues that the step is necessary to prevent permanent members of the Security Council having an effective veto on troop deployments.Minister of State Thomas Byrne is to brief the parliamentary party on the Government’s plans on the triple lock as the leadership seeks to quell concerns among the party’s rank and file.[ Plans to scrap triple lock constitute ‘fundamental change’ to Fianna Fáil policy, party toldOpens in new window ]Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Photograph: Grainne Ni Aodha/PA Wire