John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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157. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the Government's position on neutrality; his plans to refer Ireland's position on neutrality to a Citizens Assembly for discussion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32927/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland has a longstanding policy of military neutrality, meaning that we do not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. This policy, which has been implemented by successive governments, informs our active approach to peace support operations, crisis management, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding. There are no plans to alter this policy at this time.

At the same time, it is clear that the security situation in Europe has changed fundamentally. Russia’s illegal and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, the decisions by Finland and Sweden to seek NATO membership, and the upcoming response to the recommendations by the Commission on the Defence Forces have all brought security and defence issues to the fore in our domestic debate.

In this context, there is undoubtedly a need for a debate on security and defence policy in Ireland, to reflect on the security and defence challenges we face as a country and the best way for us to respond to those challenges. The Taoiseach has indicated that the issues involved could potentially be discussed through a Citizens Assembly or a similar framework. 

It is important that this debate is allowed to take place in an open and evidence-based way, and at an appropriate time. For now, the Government’s immediate focus remains on easing the plight of the Ukrainian people and holding the Russian leadership to account.