Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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59. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if recent statements and actions by the Government have resulted in a diminution of Ireland's policy of neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49080/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s policy of military neutrality has long been an important strand of our independent foreign policy. In practical terms, as followed by successive Governments, the policy means that Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. However, our approach has never been one of isolationism; rather our neutrality has informed our active approach towards peace support operations and crisis management, and our contributions to conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Russia’s appalling military aggression against Ukraine has highlighted more than ever the importance of solidarity and cooperation amongst likeminded partners in upholding the rules based international order. While militarily neutral, we are not politically neutral in response to Russia’s further invasion of Ukraine.

Against this backdrop, it is clear that the security situation in Europe has changed fundamentally. Russia’s illegal attack on Ukraine, the decisions by Finland and Sweden to seek NATO membership and the Government’s own recent response to the recommendations by the Commission on the Defence Forces have all brought security and defence issues to the fore in Ireland.

In this context, and as both the Taoiseach and I have previously noted, there is a need for reflection and debate, potentially through a Citizens’ Assembly or a similar framework.

As I have mentioned, the Government also took a decision in June, based on the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, to significantly increase spending on defence, rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028. This marks the largest increase in defence funding in the history of the Irish State. In turn, this will lead to a greater level of investment and strengthening of the capabilities of our Defence Forces, as well as an opportunity to seek further opportunities for cooperation and collaboration with other countries, including at EU level, within the framework of our policy of military neutrality.