Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he continues to interact with his EU and UN colleagues, with a view to highlighting security threats to this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20837/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRussia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally altered the security situation in Europe. Together with wider global instability, this has led to a renewed focus at EU level on issues relating to security and defence.
Against this backdrop, I regularly engage with leaders at the EU, UN and in our bilateral relationships on these topics, including on the evolving security challenges we face both collectively and at national level. At the monthly EU Foreign Affairs Council, security issues are now routinely part of our agenda.
In this context, the Strategic Compass, published in 2022, reflects the major shifts in the EU’s strategic environment and outlines the way forward for the EU in the field of security and defence, with a strong focus on cybersecurity and hybrid threats, maritime security and emerging and developing technologies.
In recognition of these evolving security threats, Ireland has, in recent years, also become a member of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE) in Helsinki as well as the Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCoE) in Tallinn. Our engagement with partners in this context helps us in many ways, including by allowing us to share knowledge, best practice and develop the capabilities necessary to strengthen our cybersecurity as well as the resilience of our critical infrastructure. It is more important than ever that we take our own security and our responsibility towards our partners seriously, and the Government is committed to broadening and deepening Ireland’s international security engagement and work with partners.
Having progressed a national conversation on these issues in 2023 through the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy, the Government is now advancing a range of measures to meet the challenges of the future, including at a domestic level through the ongoing transformation of the Defence Forces, and updating the 'Triple Lock' policy.
In a UN context, during Ireland’s recent term on the UN Security Council, our work was underpinned by the core principles of building peace, strengthening conflict prevention, and ensuring accountability. Our work at UN level continues to be focused on the principles and values enshrined in the UN Charter.
