John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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26. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for an update on the development of Ireland’s first national maritime security strategy. [48427/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has taken the lead in the development of a National Maritime Security Strategy following identification of maritime security as a priority in last year’s Defence Policy Review. This strategy is being developed in consultation with national and international stakeholders and I look forward to its delivery to me before the end of this year.

In support of the development of the strategy, my Department held a public consultation during the summer to gauge people’s views and to build consensus on the diverse threats, risks, challenges and opportunities being faced by the country in the maritime domain. The public consultation received significant engagement and approximately 300 submissions were received from a wide range of interested parties, including responses from government departments, academia, industry and members of the public.

Initial analysis of the submissions indicates that there is strong support for the strategy and a clear understanding from the public of Ireland’s most urgent maritime security challenges, particularly the growing threats to critical undersea infrastructure. The public also supports international cooperation to improve maritime security. Analysis of these submissions is ongoing and the input gathered will serve as a critical foundation for shaping a robust and forward-looking National Maritime Security Strategy, ensuring Ireland is well prepared to meet current and future challenges in its maritime domain.