Written Answers Nos. 14-28
14. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will provide an update on efforts to restore the political institutions in Northern Ireland established under the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27335/23]
View answer25. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of his most recent discussions with the political parties in Northern Ireland in relation to the need to have the Assembly and the Executive restored at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28844/23]
View answer27. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts of him and his Department to assist in re-establishing the Northern Ireland Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27989/23]
View answer44. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a report on efforts to restore the power sharing executive in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28139/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 25, 27 and 44 together.
The full and effective implementation and operation of the Good Friday Agreement across all three Strands is a key priority for this Government: the power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland; the North South Ministerial Council and the Cross Border Bodies; as well as the East-West institutions. The Agreement is designed so that these institutions support and reinforce one another.
As a co-Guarantor of the Agreement, with the British government, we have a responsibility to work with the Northern Ireland parties and, when appropriate, our international partners to ensure the full and effective operation of the Good Friday Agreement, and all its institutions. I deeply regret that the Assembly has not sat in over a year, and that the people of Northern Ireland are not being represented by their elected MLAs, particularly given the current challenges faced by the people of Northern Ireland.
I was in Northern Ireland last week and heard first-hand the impact that the absence of an Executive is having on communities. Essential services, such as education and healthcare are hugely stretched to capacity. This is having a direct, detrimental impact on those who are most vulnerable. Urgent solutions are required, but they cannot be found without local political leadership. Without the power-sharing institutions, the situation will only continue to deteriorate. It is essential that we continue to do all that we can to encourage a return of the Assembly and Executive as soon as possible, within the framework of the Good Friday Agreement.
From my contacts with parties, including while I was in Northern Ireland last week, it is very clear that there is a genuine desire to get the Executive back up and running. I believe there is a window of opportunity in the aftermath of the local elections to restore of the Executive and the Assembly and I would urge members of all parties to take their seats so that the issues facing Northern Ireland can be addressed. People in Northern Ireland deserve to be represented by the politicians that they elected in May 2022.
I am also in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in regard to the restoration of the institutions. This will be a key focus of discussions at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, which I will attend in London next week. The Government will continue to work closely on a North-South and an East-West basis in support of the devolved power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland and the full implementation of all of the Strands of the Good Friday Agreement and as well as subsequent agreements.
15. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs to report on the most recent engagement he has had with an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28870/23]
View answerAction Aid Ireland is a highly valued partner for the Government's international development programme. It is one of the ten key NGO partners which receive funding from the innovative new five-year funding scheme, Ireland’s Civil Society Partnership for a Better World, which is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Under this scheme, the Department has provided €950,000 to Action Aid Ireland this year to deliver women’s rights programmes in very poor and marginalised communities in Ethiopia, Nepal and Kenya. Action Aid Ireland's programmes in these countries focus on empowering women and girls and addressing gender based violence. They also address the increasingly negative impact on poor communities of escalating climate change. In addition, Action Aid Ireland's global citizenship education programme in Ireland is helping to strengthen awareness of gender equality issues globally.
On 22 February, the Tánaiste and I met with the CEO of Action Aid Ireland, along with the CEOs of other key Irish international NGOs. I was keen to meet with these stakeholders as a group as early as possible in my new role as Minister of State. I had also earlier held separate meetings with each of the CEOs, including with the CEO of Action Aid Ireland on 16 February. We discussed a wide range of issues, including global inequality, the humanitarian system, the importance of gender equality and how we can effectively reach those who are most vulnerable and who are left furthest behind. We also discussed the significant challenges of increasing humanitarian crises and shrinking civil society space. The OECD has commended Ireland for the quality of our partnerships with development NGOs, calling it a “hallmark of Ireland's development cooperation”. The Irish international NGO sector has a strong international reputation. They are well placed to ensure aid reaches those to whom it is intended and are very well informed of the realities on the ground. I look forward to continued engagement with the sector, including Action Aid Ireland.
16. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how he and his Department will lead on the scaling up of Ireland's international climate finance and strengthening whole-of-Government efforts on climate diplomacy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28092/23]
View answerInternational climate finance and climate diplomacy are priorities for the Government, and for Ireland's foreign policy. The Department of Foreign Affairs engages in climate diplomacy in close collaboration with other Government Departments, at the United Nations and the International Financial Institutions and through the European Union.
The scale up of Ireland’s international climate finance is central to this commitment. Last year, the Department of Foreign Affairs led on a cross-governmental process to prepare for the publication of the Government's International Climate Finance Roadmap in July 2022.
The Roadmap sets out a pathway to deliver on the target of providing at least €225 million per year in international climate finance by 2025, a commitment made by the Taoiseach at COP 26 in Glasgow in November 2021. Meeting this commitment will represent a more than doubling of Ireland’s climate finance. The latest official figures for Ireland's climate finance are for 2021, when it amounted to €99.6 million. We expect to be in a position to report significantly higher figures for 2022 and 2023.
The primary focus of Ireland’s support is on adaptation to climate change impacts, with the majority of Ireland’s climate finance targeting projects and programmes that promote climate adaptation. The geographic focus of our funding is targeted towards countries that are highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.
Through our climate diplomacy, Ireland strongly advocates for increased finance for adaptation action. We also advocate for the enhancement of both the quality and accessibility of adaptation finance for Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. Ireland is also continuing its diplomacy on Loss and Damage throughout this year and in preparation for COP28.
17. Deputy James Lawless asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he is taking to promote accountability for the most serious international crimes; the support being provided for the work of the International Criminal Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28104/23]
View answerIreland has been, and continues to be, a consistent and strong supporter of pursuing accountability for the most serious international crimes. We will continue to utilise all relevant international fora, including the UN, to advocate for an end to impunity for international crimes and to promote the International Criminal Court (ICC).
As the first permanent international court, the ICC is the cornerstone of the system of international criminal justice. The Court was established in 2002 with the entry into force of the Rome Statute. By its very existence the Court not only promotes and upholds the rule of law but also provides a means of bringing to account the perpetrators of the most serious crimes of concern to the international community. Ireland has actively encouraged all states to become parties to the Rome Statute.
In addition to providing political support for the Court, Ireland strongly believes that the ICC should have sufficient resources to deliver upon its unique and important mandate. The ICC is funded mainly by means of annual assessed contributions made by the States Parties to the Rome Statute, determined every year at the Assembly of States Parties. The total annual budget of the Court for 2023 is over €173 million, of which Ireland’s assessed contribution is approximately €1.4 million.
To help alleviate the financial pressures currently faced by the Court, including arising from its investigation in Ukraine, Ireland made a voluntary contribution of €3 million to the ICC covering the years 2022 to 2024. €1.5 million of this contribution was distributed to the ICC’s Trust Fund for Victims, €1 million to the Office of the Prosecutor’s Trust Fund for Advanced Technology and Specialized Capacity and the remaining €500,000 was disbursed among the Special Fund for Relocations, the Trust Fund for the Development of Interns and Visiting Professionals and the Trust Fund for Family Visits.
18. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a recently published article to mark World Environment Day, recalling that Gaza lacks a safe, clean, and sustainable environment, Al Mezan detailed how Israeli policies and practices, including a 16-year-old blockade, adversely impact local capacity to protect the environment and ultimately hinder Palestinians' right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28776/23]
View answerThe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which is exacerbated by the ongoing Israeli blockade, in contravention of UN Security Council Resolution 1860, is a matter of long-standing concern. In particular, I am deeply concerned by reports that over 1 million children in Gaza today have constrained access to essential services, including food, water, education and health care.
I welcome that Ireland’s programme of development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people is making a positive contribution to improving the lived reality on the ground, including in relation to areas raised in the article to which the Deputy refers.
Ireland has been supporting the redress of the critical infrastructure gap in Gaza since 2019, by funding the development of a solar power plant to provide clean and reliable energy to power the North Gaza Emergency Sewage Treatment Plant. Significantly, this project represents the first time that land in the Access Restricted Area has been made available for infrastructure and follows extensive engagement by Ireland’s diplomatic network with the Israeli authorities and the Palestinian Authority.
However, it remains clear that the roots of the problems in Gaza are political and cannot be solved by funding alone. In this regard, Ireland has consistently called for the lifting of the blockade so that normal life and normal economic activity can resume, including throughout its term on the UN Security Council.
19. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his UN colleagues remain aware of the escalation of the war in the Ukraine whereby Russia is clearly determined to bring about the destruction of the Ukrainian economy by way of attack on vital infrastructure in a way which is clearly indicative of the future whereby it appears to be intended to reduce the built environment to rubble; whether any new initiatives are being considered to prevent an escalation of this policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28835/23]
View answerAt the outset, I wish to reiterate Ireland's unequivocal and steadfast support for the people and Government of Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Since February last year, Russia has launched hundreds of drone and missile strikes in Ukraine with the apparent aim of terrorising the civilian population and destroying civilian infrastructure. In recent weeks these attacks have further escalated. The destruction of the Nova Khakovka dam last week is another brutal consequence of Russia's war. In addition to threats posed by the immediate flooding and environmental risks, the dam was an essential water supply to many towns and villages. Its destruction will seriously affect hundreds of thousands of people and will have far-reaching consequences.
During Ireland's time on the UN Security Council, we used our position on the Council to repeatedly condemn Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, recalling the basic principles of international humanitarian law, including the prohibitions against indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks.
Ireland has also co-sponsored six UN General Assembly resolutions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, condemning Russia’s aggression; calling for humanitarian access; voting to exclude Russia from the Human Rights Council; condemning the illegal so-called referendums in the occupied parts of Ukraine and illegal annexation; recognising the need for an international mechanism for reparations for Ukraine; and on the UN Charter principles underlying a just and comprehensive peace.
We stand ready to support future General Assembly resolutions aimed at securing that much needed peace and an end to Russia's aggression. Ireland, as part of the European Union, also supports Ukraine’s 10 point peace plan initiative for a just peace, based on respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In addition, we have been active at the UN Human Rights Council on the issue of Ukraine. I addressed the Council in February and stressed that Russia’s invasion is not only an assault on Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but an assault on the rules-based international order and multilateralism itself.
Ireland has consistently called for Russia to immediately end its war and to immediately cease its military actions and unconditionally withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine. We will support Ukraine, as it exercises its right to self-defence, for as long as it takes.
In addition, I regularly discuss the situation in Ukraine with my EU counterparts, and the EU's support to Ukraine is an item for discussion at every EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting. I look forward to attending the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London later this month, which will being together Ministers from approximately 60 countries, along with representatives of civil society and the business community, to further discuss supporting Ukraine's recovery from the impact of Russia's brutal invasion.
20. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he will be taking to strengthen his Department's effectiveness in the new Statement of Strategy recently issued by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28101/23]
View answer21. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he will be taking to serve communities under his Department's new Statement of Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28102/23]
View answer41. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he will be taking to support peace and reconciliation at home under his Department's new Statement of Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28095/23]
View answer48. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he will be taking to strengthen and protect the global multilateral system under his Department's new Statement of Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28099/23]
View answer66. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures he will be taking to enhance Ireland's global engagement and prosperity under his Department's new Statement of Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28100/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 21, 41, 48 and 66 together.
Following consideration by Government, I was pleased to launch a new Statement of Strategy 2023-25 on 1 June. The Statement focuses on how my Department implements the commitments assigned to us in the Programme for Government: Our Shared Future and how we will meet the many international challenges that Ireland and the global community is currently facing.
The preparation of the Statement of Strategy was informed by the core foreign policy statements The Global Island: Ireland's Foreign Policy for a Changing World and A Better World: Ireland’s Policy for International Development and involved a comprehensive process of internal and external consultation.
The broad strategic vision of my Department remains very clear: protecting and promoting peace on our island, providing a first class Consular and Passport Service to our citizens, supporting our diaspora communities, active and principled membership of the UN, the EU and other international fora, delivering a high-quality development programme, and expanding Ireland’s presence and influence abroad, to underpin prosperity and security at home.
However, as this Statement recognises, we are operating in a significantly changed global context which presents us with complex challenges, internationally and domestically. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, now into its second year, has had devastating consequences for the people of Ukraine, and has upended peace and stability in our European neighbourhood. The Statement outlines our high level goals, how we intend to achieve them and the outcomes to be delivered.
Against this complex geopolitical backdrop, the Strategy identifies six high-level goals to guide my Department’s work; five of these relate to policy and operational work, and the final goal focuses on internal efforts to improve the Department’s effectiveness and efficiency.
The first goal, “Supporting peace and reconciliation” is committed to unlocking the potential of the Good Friday Agreement, contributing to the Shared Island initiative and strengthening our bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom. Securing the full and effective operation of all three strands of the Good Friday Agreement is a key priority for me and for the Government and I undertake consistent engagement with the British Government, the political parties in Northern Ireland and others, to advance this goal. My Department operates the Reconciliation Fund, which supports effort to advance “deeper reconciliation between people and traditions within Northern Ireland, on the island of Ireland, North and South, and between these islands.” In addition, this year I am making the first grants under the new Shared Island Civil Society Fund to promote practical North South cooperation and engagement across a range of sectors and themes, consistent with the objectives and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement.
The second goal, “Serving our communities” emphasises the importance of supporting our citizens at home and abroad, including through the delivery of a first class Passport Service and Consular Service, and strengthening our engagement with Irish diaspora communities, notably under the framework of the Diaspora Strategy, and through the Emigrant Support Programme. As part of this goal, we will also deliver a secure and timely passport service, provide clear and up-to date travel advice for citizens travelling abroad, and strengthen our crisis management system
The third goal, “Driving the European Agenda” focuses on efforts to shape EU policies and ambitions to reflect Ireland’s interests and values and contribute to deepening cooperation with our European partners. Our membership of the EU has been absolutely central to our ability to manage recent challenges and remains of fundamental importance to the future progress of our country. Leading preparations for Ireland’s next EU Presidency in 2026 will be a key pillar of this work.
The fourth goal “Strengthening and protecting the global multilateral system” highlights the critical importance of upholding the rules-based international order, with the UN Charter at its heart, that underpins Ireland’s security, and promotes stability, justice, equality and sustainable development. It focuses on upholding and strengthening the rule of law, contributing to sustainable development internationally, and promoting conflict resolution and prevention. It will largely be carried out in multilateral fora such as the UN, EU, and Council of Europe, and through our international development programme.
The fifth goal “Enhancing Ireland’s global engagement and prosperity” commits to strengthening and deepening Ireland’s prosperity, influence and international reputation, particularly through the implementation of the Global Ireland Strategy and regional strategies, working with key international partners including the United States, and further deepening cooperation with all Team Ireland partners to implement the Trade and Investment Strategy.
The sixth and final goal “Strengthening DFA’s Effectiveness” is internally focussed on deepening my Department’s capability and capacity to deliver on our goals and objectives. This will largely be managed through the effective leadership of the Management Board, as well as various corporate strategies, including in relation to human resources, security and corporate compliance, and digital transformation.
22. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs further to the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, if he will detail how he and his Department are working to bring the relevant North and South bodies together to progress engagement and work to safeguard the GFA into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27990/23]
View answerStrand Two of the Good Friday Agreement provided for the establishment of the North South Ministerial Council to develop consultation, co-operation and action within the island of Ireland on matters of mutual interest within the competence of both Administrations.
The Council oversees work in twelve Areas of Co-operation. In six of these, work is progressed jointly by relevant Northern Ireland Executive and Irish Government Departments. In the other six areas, it is taken forward by North South Implementation Bodies, which each have a clear operational remit but operate under the overall policy direction of the North South Ministerial Council.
The six North South Implementation Bodies were established in 1999, with Tourism Ireland created separately in 2000. Since then, they have played a vital role in developing practical, common sense cooperation on an all-island basis across a range of sectors, carrying out important public functions and delivering valuable services to people and communities throughout the island.
I was pleased to meet with the CEOs and Chairs of the Bodies in Iveagh House earlier this year, to acknowledge the significant contribution they have made since their establishment, and to reiterate the full support of the Government for their work.
Last month, the North South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat hosted a conference in Armagh for Board Members of the Bodies, with attendance of senior officials from this jurisdiction, including my Department. This provided an opportunity to take stock of the Bodies’ achievements to date, discuss current strategic and operational challenges, and explore the potential future work and role of the Bodies.
Unfortunately, ongoing disruption to the North South Ministerial Council has had negative implications for the work of the North South Bodies. It is therefore crucial that the Council returns to operation without delay. This will allow us to move ahead with new North South initiatives, in which the Bodies can play important roles.
23. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs what interactions there have been with his UK counterparts on the Council of Europe’s decision on the Northern Ireland legacy issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28852/23]
View answerIn Stormont House in 2014, the two Governments and most of the Assembly parties agreed a way forward on legacy which would meet the needs of victims, uphold human rights and contribute to reconciliation, an approach endorsed again in the Fresh Start and New Decade, New Approach agreements. However, in May 2022, with the publication of its Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill, the UK Government decided to move away from the Stormont House Agreement and take a unilateral approach to dealing with the past. During all of my engagements with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, I have made clear the Government's opposition to this Bill, and outlined my specific and serious concerns about its provisions.
Last week, the Council of Europe in Strasbourg adopted a Interim Resolution, which, once again, expressed serious concern about the UK Bill. This was the fifth occasion on which the Council expressed its serious concern about the question of the Bill's compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights. While the process itself is confidential, my officials have briefed Council of Europe member states regularly on our concerns, and have made the Government's views clear in formal sessions.
On 8 June, the UK Government published a list of proposed amendments to the Bill. It is my view that these new amendments fail to sufficiently alter the Bill to address our concerns about its compatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights and its impact on the fundamental work of reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
I will continue to encourage the UK Government to pause this Bill and return to the partnership approach that has successfully produced a lasting peace for the people of these islands for 25 years.
24. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the reforms agreed to EU migration and asylum laws; to outline the position taken by Ireland during the negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28825/23]
View answerI welcome the reaching of agreement on a General Approach for the Asylum and Migration Management Regulation and Asylum Procedure Regulation by Home Affairs Ministers at the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 8 June 2023.
Minister of State James Browne led the Irish delegation at that Council meeting. Policy responsibility for these issues is a matter for the Department of Justice.
26. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how he and his Department will support efforts to enhance international oceans governance and the protection of the global marine environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28091/23]
View answerThe Government recognises that protection of the ocean is a key issue for Ireland and for the international community. The ocean plays a vital role in stabilising our climate, and is itself burdened by the impact of climate change, plastic pollution and over-fishing placed.
The Department of Foreign Affairs provides support to a number of partners that aim to protect the global marine environment. For example, along with Germany, France, Sweden, and Norway, Ireland is a funding partner of the non-profit foundation Blue Action Fund. We have provided €3.25 million to date to this foundation which works with NGOs to establish and enhance Marine Protected Areas in the most sensitive coastal waters in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific, benefiting over 225,000 people.
The Department is also responsible in Ireland for matters relating to the international law of the sea, in particular the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, UNCLOS. Recognising that respect for UNCLOS is an important component of a rules based international order, we support efforts to enhance international compliance with the Convention as well as efforts to enhance international ocean governance more generally.
Ireland played an active role in the recently concluded negotiations on a new international Agreement on Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction, BBNJ. The BBNJ Agreement is a landmark treaty that has the potential to significantly enhance international ocean governance and help achieve the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Considerable work will be required to meet the '30 by 30' target of protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030, and my Department is committed to supporting these important efforts, working closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which is responsible for marine environment policy.
We also work with Department of Housing on other international marine processes, such as work conducted by the International Seabed Authority. In addition, we collaborate with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, which leads Ireland's delegation to negotiate an International Treaty to Eliminate Plastic Pollution.
28. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects the final report of the Consultative Forum on International Security to be published; if he has given the chair a timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28617/23]
View answer43. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he is taking to ensure that Ireland's security policy is fit for purpose in the modern European and global security environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28097/23]
View answer56. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy will examine the future of the triple lock procedure; if it will also examine the need for unanimity in relation to decisions on Common Foreign and Security Policy issues in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27336/23]
View answer71. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28140/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28, 43, 56 and 71 together.
The security situation in Europe has changed fundamentally. In the space of just over a year, we have witnessed Russia’s illegal and unprovoked attack on Ukraine, resulting in major conflict returning to the European continent for the first time in decades, and millions of civilians forced to flee and take refuge across Europe.
This changed geopolitical context calls for consideration of the State’s approach to international security policy issues, through an honest and open debate to examine whether our current policy approach remains fit for purpose. The upcoming Consultative Forum on International Security Policy has been designed with this in mind. It will provide an opportunity to convene a wide range of stakeholders, including members of the public, to explore and discuss our international security policy in detail.
The Consultative Forum takes place later this month; on Thursday 22 June at University College Cork, on Friday 23 June at University of Galway, and on Monday and Tuesday 26-27 June at Dublin Castle. The four days will comprise a number of panel sessions with a wide range of stakeholders, with participation from civilian and military experts and practitioners. Detailed information on the Forum can be found at www.gov.ie/consultativeforum
The Consultative Forum will be a broad discussion, rather than focusing on the binary issue of neutrality. It will look at 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 is expected that as part of these conversations, the Triple Lock will be explored.
An important part of the Forum's discussions will cover the current threat environment that Ireland faces, including in relation to such issues as cybersecurity, hybrid threats, disinformation and threats to critical infrastructure, including subsea infrastructure. The Forum will examine our current and future engagement in EU CSDP, as well as our existing relationship with NATO through the Partnership for Peace. Importantly, there are no predetermined or preconceived outcomes from discussions at the Forum. Panellists and participants will be free to raise any relevant issues during deliberations. A draft programme, with an outline of the sessions is available online
Attendance at the Forum will consist of the general public, representative organisations, alongside invited guests, from Ireland and internationally, with expertise and experience in the areas to be discussed. The Consultative Forum is underpinned by the principles of openness, transparency and inclusiveness. In-person attendance by the public will be allocated on a first come first served basis, and all discussions will be live-streamed so anyone interested in engaging in the process will be able to do so.
An important component of the Forum is the public consultation process, allowing for written submissions by any member of the public and which can be accessed through the website. This will remain open for submissions until after the Consultative Forum concludes.
I have asked the independent Chairperson, Louise Richardson, DBE, to submit the report of the Forum to me in September and I intend publishing the report after I have considered it. The report itself will not make recommendations. Following receipt of the report, I will decide whether to take any recommendations to Government.
