Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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97. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28291/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 101 together.

The Consultative Forum on International Security Policy will take place in three different locations over four days starting in University College Cork on 22 June. It will then move to the University of Galway on the 23 June and conclude in Dublin Castle on 26-27 June at Dublin Castle.

Louise Richardson, DBE, has been appointed as Chair. The Forum will draw on the principles underlying the Citizens’ Assembly model, but will be an open discussion in which any member of the public can participate, either by attending in-person, following on line and/or making a written submission to the Forum.

Since Russia's brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine in February, 2022, which blatantly violated the UN Charter and internal law and fundamentally altered the European security environment, every country in Europe has examined and re-examined its foreign, security and defence polices and Ireland is no different.

It is a fundamental duty of government to address the challenging global situation as it is today.

The Consultative Forum on International Security Policy is the first time that any Irish Government has established such a debate.

The Forum will be a broad discussion with almost 80 panellists 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.

Almost 900 people have already registered to attend and over 300 submissions have been received which is very encouraging. All of the discussions will be livestreamed at www.gov.ie.

I have to again stress that the Forum is not a binary discussion on neutrality and was never intended to be. The Government have made clear that we do not intend to change Ireland's policy of military neutrality.

This policy does not inure us from dealing thoughtfully and responsibly with the global and European security environment that we find ourselves in, and the new and emerging threats that we face. Nor does it mean that we should isolate ourselves, or assume we have nothing to learn from, or contribute to, the wider debate about European security.

I am confident that the programme that is in place, the experience of the Chair, the moderators and panellists, will all contribute to a healthy, informed and respectful discussion on International Security Policy. I want to hear from as many people as possible, with a diverse range of experiences and views.