Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
89. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the definition of military neutrality as it appears on his Department's website (details supplied); who approved this definition; when it was approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30552/23]
View answer91. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs how the panellists and chairperson of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy were chosen; when the first invitations for panellists and chairpersons were issued; and when the final list of panellists and chairpersons was finalised. [30724/23]
View answer92. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the process for choosing the Chair of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy; when a person (details supplied) was asked to be chair; and if anyone else was asked to be chair. [30725/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 91 and 92 together.
Louise Richardson, DBE was appointed by me as Chair of the Consultative Forum, having regard to the remit of the Forum and, consequently, to the competencies, skills and experience required to conduct same.
The Chair for the Consultative Forum was appointed in the same way as Chairs of Citizens Assemblies are appointed. My request to her to act as Chair was conveyed in late March 2023. No other individual was approached to serve as Chair to the Forum.
Invitations to panellists issued following the decision by the Tánaiste to convene the Forum. Panellists were identified by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Defence, based on their practical experience and areas of expertise.
The definition of Ireland's military neutrality on the DFA website states that Ireland’s policy of military neutrality has long been an important strand of our independent foreign policy and is characterised by non-membership of military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. This has been the policy position of successive Irish governments.
