Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
63. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the full final cost of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy, in tabular form, to include all costs, and associated costs, including the cost of policing and security, the use of locations, and the cost of Department staff involvement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39215/23]
View answerWith a growing focus on security and defence issues across Europe and at national level, in June of this year, I convened a national Consultative Forum on International Security Policy. The aim of the Forum, which marked the first occasion on which the State has ever embarked on a national conversation on these issues in this manner, was to provide an opportunity for a serious and honest debate about the international security policy options available to us and the implications of each of these.
The Forum was a broad discussion, looking at Ireland’s work to protect the rules-based international order, new and emerging threats, our current and future engagement in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), as well as our relationship with NATO through the Partnership for Peace.
The Forum took place over four days in Cork, Galway and Dublin, and saw over 80 panellists moderating or speaking while approximately 1,000 people registered to attend these events in person. All discussions were live-streamed with over 10,000 online viewers accessing the live-stream during the Forum. An open public consultation also took place between 31 May and 7 July and received over 800 submissions.
Costs related to the Forum are split on an equal basis between the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The contribution by the Department of Foreign Affairs will be made from within existing resources in Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs).
Expenditure related to the Forum is in line with prevailing Public Spending Code guidelines and every effort was made to ensure related value-for-money objectives were met.
Where final figures are available they are listed below. There are a small number of outstanding anticipated expenses that are still to be received and where this arises it is noted below. The final costs will be available once all payments have been submitted and processed.
An honorarium will be paid to the Chairperson of the Consultative Forum at a per diem rate sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The Cork and Galway events were held in partnership with University College Cork and the University of Galway respectively. The events in Dublin were held in Dublin Castle. Costs associated with the operation of these venues during the Forum are a matter for the Universities and the Office of Public Works respectively.
Costs in relation to An Garda Síochána support to the Forum are a matter for the Department of Justice.
All salary costs in relation to staff are provided from within existing pay allocations on the Department of Foreign Affairs. Costs in relation to staff from the Department of Defence are a matter for that Department.
|
Description |
Cost € |
|
Accommodation (Panellists and Staff) |
25,445.00 |
|
Catering |
47,285.29 |
|
Communications, stationary, printing and branding |
44,408.55* |
|
Event management and security |
6,765.00 |
|
Interpretation |
4,069.75 |
|
Panellist travel and subsistence |
18,696.76* |
|
Technical/Audio Visual including closed captioning |
30,993.54* |
|
Venue Set-Up (3 Venues) |
18,645.59 |
*Indicates that costs are not final
