Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

1. To ask the Taoiseach his Department’s engagement on the preparation of a national security strategy; when he expects this strategy to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52270/25]

Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government is committed to the delivery of a National Security Strategy and work is ongoing in finalising drafting the strategy, co-ordinated by the National Security Secretariat in my Department and integrating inputs from a range of relevant stakeholders, including the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Defence; Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; An Garda Síochána; the National Cyber Security Centre and the Defence Forces.

The preparation of a draft strategy covers a broad range of national security issues and it will include the implications of more recent security, defence and international developments and their related impacts, notably the deteriorated security situation in Europe, the growth in cyber and hybrid threats, and including implementation of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

Earlier this year, I established the Ministerial National Security Council, which comprises me as Chair, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and for Defence, and the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration. The Council will ensure that at the highest level there is a structured, ongoing review of our strategic national security interests and systematised monitoring of progress with delivery on the Government’s commitments over the coming months, including the finalisation of the draft National Security Strategy.