Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The international security environment has changed significantly over the last year. In order to build a deeper understanding of the threats faced by the State, and the links to, and between, our foreign, security and defence policy, I have convened a Consultative Forum on International Security Policy to discuss the issues involved.

The Consultative Forum will take place in three different locations; on 22 June at University College Cork, on 23 June at the University of Galway, and on 26-27 June at Dublin Castle. It will be chaired by Louise Richardson DBE (formerly Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews).

The Forum will be a broad discussion, examining issues such as Ireland’s work to protect the rules-based international order, through our engagement in peacekeeping, conflict prevention and peacebuilding, and arms control and disarmament. It will look at new and emerging threats, including cyber, hybrid, disinformation and threats to critical infrastructure. The Forum will also examine our current and future engagement in EU Common Security and Defence Policy, as well as our existing relationship with NATO through the Partnership for Peace.

Attendance at the Forum will consist of invited guests, from Ireland and internationally, with expertise and practical experience in the areas to be discussed. There will also be spaces reserved for members of the general public. Discussions will be live-streamed and there will be an option for online submissions. The objective of the Forum is to initiate an open and evidence-based discussion on the State’s foreign and security policy. Anyone interested in engaging in the process will be able to do so.

Full details of the arrangements for registration, live-streaming and the making of submissions will be published by the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Defence in the coming weeks.

Importantly, there are no predetermined or preconceived outcomes from discussions at the Forum and participants will be free to raise any relevant issues during deliberations. Once the Chair’s report has been developed, I will consider its findings and decide whether to take its recommendations to Government.