Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2023
38. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs when he expects the report from the fora on international security policy to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41694/23]
View answerWith a growing focus on security and defence issues across Europe and at national level, I recently convened a national Consultative Forum on International Security Policy. This was the first time the State has ever embarked on a national conversation on security and defence issues in this manner.
The aim of the Forum was to provide an opportunity for a discussion about the current international security environment and the policy options available to the State in that context. The Forum was a broad discussion, looking in particular 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 and approximately 1,000 attendees. All discussions were live-streamed with over 10,000 online viewers. In addition, over 850 submissions were received.
The Chair of the Consultative Forum, Louise Richardson DBE, is responsible for the production of a report, which I expect to receive, bring to Government and publish in the coming weeks. Her report will be an important contribution to this national conversation and I look forward to receiving it.
