Neasa Hourigan (Dublin Central, Green Party)
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175. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the full cost of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy, in tabular form, to include 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. [32195/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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With a growing focus on security and defence issues across Europeand at national level, I decided to convene a national Consultative Forum on International Security Policy. This is the first time the State 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 serious and honest conversation about the international security policy options available to the State, 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 and approximately 1,000 attendees. All discussions were live-streamed with over 10,000 online viewers accessing the live-stream during the Forum. There is still an opportunity for the public to contribute their views in writing. To date, almost 600 submissions have been received. The closing date for further submissions is 7 July and submissions can be made at www.gov.ie/en/consultation/1a35a-public-consultation-on-international-security-policy/#submissions.

Costs related to the Forum will be split on an equal basis between the Department of Defence and the Department of Foreign Affairs. The contribution by the Department of Defence will be made from within existing Vote 36 (Defence) resources.

Expenditure related to the Forum is in line with prevailing Public Spending Code guidelines and will ensure all related value-for-money objectives are met.

Given the short time that has passed since the Consultative Forum ended not all payments have been finalised. The figures presented in the table below are indicative and reflect a broad estimate of costs provided in the responses to PQs 27589/23 and 30861/23, and are subject to further revision. 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 Defence Vote and no additional staffing costs arose across the Defence participation in the Forum. Costs in relation to staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs are a matter for that Department.