Oireachtas hosts key EU foreign and security talks
The Oireachtas Committees on Defence and Foreign Affairs co-hosted a pivotal conference on European security policies. Held in Dublin Castle, the event addressed pressing issues including Ukraine, Middle East tensions, and hybrid threats to democracy.
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Oireachtas - Press Releases
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The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security, led by Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh, partnered with the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, chaired by Deputy John Lahart, to co-host the 29th Inter-Parliamentary Conference focusing on the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The conference took place over two days, Thursday 5th and Friday 6th November, at Dublin Castle. It opened with remarks from the Ceann Comhairle of Dáil Éireann, Deputy Verona Murphy, alongside key European figures such as David McAllister MEP and the respective committee chairs.
The sessions covered a wide range of critical topics. The initial discussions, chaired by Mr. McAllister, explored strategic priorities for CFSP and CSDP, with contributions from Ireland’s Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee, and Cosmin Dobran from the European External Action Service. Subsequent sessions tackled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, featuring speakers like Ukrainian Deputy Minister Mariana Betsa and policy expert Jana Kobzová. Later discussions addressed escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Europe’s strategic response, with insights from EU representatives and military officials.
The final day focused on defending democracy against hybrid threats, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and enhancing societal resilience. This session was co-chaired by Deputies Lahart and Conway-Walsh and included appearances from Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann MEP and Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces. Closing remarks reiterated the importance of united parliamentary efforts to uphold peace, security, and the international rules-based order. Deputy Conway-Walsh emphasised Ireland's role as a neutral country committed to peace, while Deputy Lahart highlighted the need for cohesive European cooperation amid complex global challenges.
For media enquiries, contact Stephen Higgins at the Houses of the Oireachtas Communications Unit, Leinster House, Dublin 2, via phone at +353 (0)1 618 4743 or +353 (0)85 801 3096, or by email at [email protected] or [email protected].
The sessions covered a wide range of critical topics. The initial discussions, chaired by Mr. McAllister, explored strategic priorities for CFSP and CSDP, with contributions from Ireland’s Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee, and Cosmin Dobran from the European External Action Service. Subsequent sessions tackled Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, featuring speakers like Ukrainian Deputy Minister Mariana Betsa and policy expert Jana Kobzová. Later discussions addressed escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Europe’s strategic response, with insights from EU representatives and military officials.
The final day focused on defending democracy against hybrid threats, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and enhancing societal resilience. This session was co-chaired by Deputies Lahart and Conway-Walsh and included appearances from Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann MEP and Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces. Closing remarks reiterated the importance of united parliamentary efforts to uphold peace, security, and the international rules-based order. Deputy Conway-Walsh emphasised Ireland's role as a neutral country committed to peace, while Deputy Lahart highlighted the need for cohesive European cooperation amid complex global challenges.
For media enquiries, contact Stephen Higgins at the Houses of the Oireachtas Communications Unit, Leinster House, Dublin 2, via phone at +353 (0)1 618 4743 or +353 (0)85 801 3096, or by email at [email protected] or [email protected].
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