Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade when he expects the final report of the Consultative Forum on International Security to be published; if he has given the chair a timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28617/23]

Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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56. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy will examine the future of the triple lock procedure; if it will also examine the need for unanimity in relation to decisions on Common Foreign and Security Policy issues in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27336/23]

Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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71. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28140/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 43, 56 and 71 together.

The security situation in Europe has changed fundamentally. In the space of just over a year, we have witnessed Russia’s illegal and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, resulting in major conflict returning to the European continent for the first time in decades, and millions of civilians forced to flee and take refuge across Europe.

This changed geopolitical context calls for consideration of the State’s approach to international security policy issues, through an honest and open debate to examine whether our current policy approach remains fit for purpose. The upcoming Consultative Forum on International Security Policy has been designed with this in mind. It will provide an opportunity to convene a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the public, to explore and discuss our international security policy in detail.

The Consultative Forum takes place later this month; on Thursday 22 June at University College Cork, on Friday 23 June at University of Galway, and on Monday and Tuesday 26-27 June at Dublin Castle. The four days will comprise a number of panel sessions with a wide range of stakeholders, with participation from civilian and military experts and practitioners. Detailed information on the Forum can be found at www.gov.ie/consultativeforum

The Consultative Forum will be a broad discussion, rather than focusing on the binary issue of neutrality. It will look at 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 is expected that as part of these conversations, the Triple Lock will be explored.

An important part of the Forum's discussions will cover the current threat environment that Ireland faces, including in relation to such issues as cybersecurity, hybrid threats, disinformation and threats to critical infrastructure, including subsea infrastructure. The Forum will examine our current and future engagement in EU CSDP, as well as our existing relationship with NATO through the Partnership for Peace. Importantly, there are no predetermined or preconceived outcomes from discussions at the Forum. Panellists and participants will be free to raise any relevant issues during deliberations. A draft programme, with an outline of the sessions is available online

Attendance at the Forum will consist of the general public, representative organisations, alongside invited guests, from Ireland and internationally, with expertise and experience in the areas to be discussed. The Consultative Forum is underpinned by the principles of openness, transparency and inclusiveness. In-person attendance by the public will be allocated on a first come first served basis, and all discussions will be live-streamed so anyone interested in engaging in the process will be able to do so.

An important component of the Forum is the public consultation process, allowing for written submissions by any member of the public and which can be accessed through the website. This will remain open for submissions until after the Consultative Forum concludes.

I have asked the independent Chairperson, Louise Richardson, DBE, to submit the report of the Forum to me in September and I intend publishing the report after I have considered it. The report itself will not make recommendations. Following receipt of the report, I will decide whether to take any recommendations to Government.