Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.

While there is no formal Cabinet committee dealing exclusively with security matters, I receive regular updates on the security situation and any relevant incidents and events. Ministers can also update the Government as necessary on security-related issues that arise in their areas of responsibility. In addition, the national security committee is concerned with ensuring the Government is advised of high level security issues and the responses to them. It is chaired by the Secretary-General to the Government and comprises representatives at the highest level from the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Equality, Defence and Environment, Climate and Communications as well as representatives of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces. Representatives of other Departments also attend when necessary.

With regard to the Defence Forces, depending on the issue in question, be it progressing reform measures, EU related defence issues or international peace-keeping missions, the issue may be discussed at a meeting of the most appropriate Cabinet committee or at bilateral meetings with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence.

See this speech in context