Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As I informed the House on 22 November during a debate on the consultative forum on international security, it is the Government's intention to develop a maritime security strategy, with the necessary resourcing, accompanying legislation and decision-making systems in place. This strategy will have a particular focus on subsea infrastructure.

Following the attacks on Nordstreams 1 and 2 in October 2022, my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Deputy Eamon Ryan, sought support from my Department for additional measures that could be put in place to ensure that critical offshore infrastructure, including data cables, was protected. As a result of this, enhanced patrolling of the Irish Sea in the vicinity of priority offshore infrastructure is taking place by a mixture of air and naval platforms and the Irish Naval Service Fisheries Monitoring Centre in Haulbowline continues to remotely monitor vessels in the EEZ on a 24/7 basis.

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by the Government. A great deal of work is under way to ensure that we have the required capabilities, with equipment projects under way.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland takes part in any EU discussions equally on the basis of its membership of the European Union, using the accepted respective Councils and Working Parties that fall from that, and governed by the Treaties underpinning the functioning of the European Union.

With regard to Defence, at its core, this remains a national competence, something borne out by the differing responses and actions taken by EU Member States in the aftermath of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, participation in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) does not prejudice the Security and Defence policy or obligations of any Member State.

Given that decision-making power in relation to Defence remain a national competence under the European Treaties, it remains a matter for Ireland to decide our own way forward. Ireland remains a strong supporter of CSDP however, and will remain fully engaged in all CSDP processes and will continue to contribute fully to the development of the Policy in order that we can influence its evolution.

Though broader EU policy in this regard evolves in response to circumstance - most particularly exemplified by the EU's response to Russia's continued aggression towards Ukraine - and as evidenced by the agreement of the Ukraine Assistance Fund under the European Peace Facility, and by the recent European Commission launch of its Communication of a Defence Industrial Strategy, any additional obligations proposed towards Member States must be mindful of the Treaties, and will be subject to negotiation and agreement by all Member States, including Ireland. Where any such proposals are made, they will be examined in full cognizance of Ireland's national policy in this regard.