Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This was the first time a Taoiseach attended the Munich Security Conference. It raised some eyebrows but it was right for Ireland to be part of the debate on European foreign and security policy issues at this dangerous time. I refer in particular to the illegal invasion by Russia of Ukraine, the terrible events taking place in Gaza and the escalating tensions in the wider Middle East. Ireland can play a positive role in this foreign and security policy debate.

It is clear that Europe is becoming more and more concerned about its security and defence. Remarks by former US President Donald Trump have increased these concerns. Security and defence are not military matters only. We need European co-operation on issues such as terrorism, cybercrime, disinformation and the protection of critical infrastructure among other things. Irish neutrality was questioned at one of the sessions of the conference. Neutrality emphasises conflict prevention, however, and conflict prevention also helps achieve effective security.

That said, I really want to ask the Taoiseach about the situation in the Middle East. The Taoiseach has already met EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other EU Heads of State and Government. Have we managed to get further support for a review of the EU-Israel trade association agreement and for recognition of the state of Palestine? What does the Taoiseach think is the likely EU response to the recent attack by Iran on Israel? This is focusing minds at this time.

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