Tom Clonan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The four consultative forums are scheduled to take place in a number of weeks but we have no idea who will be speaking at them. We know there is a Chair, someone who has been very a vocal proponent of US foreign policy and who would be very supportive of Ireland becoming a member of NATO. While this is not problematic in and of itself, it does lead to the perception of an inherent bias before the consultative process even kicks off. Neutrality is such an important part of our foreign policy history over the years. I absolutely and firmly believe that Ireland would not benefit from joining NATO. What we need to do is invest properly in our air, maritime, ground and cyber defences. Who will speak at this consultative forum? Which academics will be involved? I rather suspect that I know the academics who may be asked to speak at this. We have a number of very hawkish and conservative academics who are very pro-NATO. I want to know by what mechanism are people and experts invited to speak. A journalist just announced in the Sunday Timesthat he will be speaking at it. By what mechanism and by what process can interested parties submit an expression of interest in making a contribution? As of today, the portal on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for submissions is dead. It is a dead link. People cannot make submissions. Can we get some clarity on this? It is really important debate, but I hope it does not get off to a bad start because of opacity. It needs to be transparent and we need to know how people are being invited to speak.