There has been a lot of talk about the Government's Consultative Forum on International Security Policy in recent days.
Discussion about the forum, which has also been called a forum on neutrality, has dominated the Dáil, the airwaves and newspaper columns in recent days.
It has also resulted in a Presidential apology and furious rows in the Dáil chamber.
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But what exactly is the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy? Here is everything you need to know:
What is the Consultative Forum?
The forum was convened by Tánaiste Micheál Martin, who also acts as the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Defence.
It will take place across four days in Cork, Galway and Dublin, starting this Thursday.
Members of the public can register to attend the sessions in person and they will also be streamed online.
Both Irish and international speakers will address the sessions which will cover a wide range of topics.
Why has the Government decided they are needed?
Following the outbreak of war in Ukraine, questions over whether Ireland could defend itself started swirling. The presence of Russian naval ships off the west coast of Cork has caused concern several times as there are telecommunications cables running through the Atlantic Ocean.
A review of the Defence Forces published in February found that if changes are not made to the Defence Forces’ capabilities, it would be "unable to conduct a meaningful defence of the State against a sustained act of aggression from a conventional military force".
Questions have also been raised about the State’s cybersecurity following the HSE cyberattack in May 2021.
What is up for discussion?
There will be a lot of discussion about global and European security following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Cybersecurity threats will be discussed, as will threats to Ireland’s maritime and critical infrastructure.
Attention will be on the Triple Lock in Galway on Friday. This is a mechanism that ensures that Government, Dáil and UN approval is required before Ireland sends troops on peacekeeping missions. Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Greens have all stated that they are in favour of getting rid of this mechanism.
There will also be discussions about Ireland’s engagement with NATO through Partnership for Peace.
Is Ireland joining NATO?
The Government insists Ireland is not joining NATO.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Tánaiste have both insisted that Ireland will remain "military neutral".
They have said that Ireland will not join military alliances
However, there have been some concerns that any changes to Irish neutrality will result in a move towards NATO or other military alliances.
Why has there been controversy?
Several people have expressed reservations about the line-up of speakers.
President Michael D Higgins said that it included "the admirals, the generals, the air force, the rest of it".
He also warned that Ireland was "drifting" towards NATO and "playing with fire".
People Before Profit has also been deeply critical of the forum and its line-up, with TD Mick Barry describing it as a "pro-NATO jamboree".
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