I propose to take Questions Nos. 89, 91 and 92 together.
Louise Richardson, DBE was appointed by me as Chair of the Consultative Forum, having regard to the remit of the Forum and, consequently, to the competencies, skills and experience required to conduct same.
The Chair for the Consultative Forum was appointed in the same way as Chairs of Citizens Assemblies are appointed. My request to her to act as Chair was conveyed in late March 2023. No other individual was approached to serve as Chair to the Forum.
Invitations to panellists issued following the decision by the Tánaiste to convene the Forum. Panellists were identified by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Defence, based on their practical experience and areas of expertise.
The definition of Ireland's military neutrality on the DFA website states that Ireland’s policy of military neutrality has long been an important strand of our independent foreign policy and is characterised by non-membership of military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. This has been the policy position of successive Irish governments.