National Security

Tuesday, 16 June 2026

Questions (130, 131)

Albert Dolan

Question:

130. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Taoiseach the reasons for the delay, now in excess of seven years, in publishing the National Security Strategy; and when it will be finalised. [43958/26]

View answer

Albert Dolan

Question:

131. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Taoiseach if he plans to publish the National Security Strategy in 2026. [43959/26]

View answer

Written answers

The Taoiseach

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together.

The Government is committed to the delivery of a National Security Strategy in the coming months.

Work is ongoing in finalising drafting the strategy, integrating inputs from a range of relevant stakeholders, including the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Defence; Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; An Garda Síochána; the Defence Forces and National Cyber Security Centre. This work is co-ordinated by the National Security Secretariat in my Department.

The preparation of a draft strategy covers a broad range of national security issues. There will be a focus on the State’s internal security, including the evolving challenges we face from terrorism and extremism and from cyber threats, and a focus on the need to increase investment in security and to modernise our legislation in the security field, notably in the investigatory powers available to our security services. The ongoing implementation of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces and the modernisation of key aspects of our defence legislation are also included in the preparations.

It will include also the implications of recent security, defence and international developments and their related impacts, notably the deteriorating security situation in Europe given Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, and the growth in cyber and hybrid threats in Europe. It will outline a comprehensive framework of our national security, involving core building blocks of maritime and cyber security, underpinned by strengthened security services enabled with the structures and powers fit for our contemporary security environment.

The National Security Strategy will build on the range of sectoral strategies and documents, including the Maritime Security Strategy, the forthcoming third National Cyber Security Strategy, the Counter-Disinformation Strategy and the Defence Policy Review. It will also take account of the recommendations of the first annual report of the Independent Examiner of Security Legislation.

The Ministerial Council on National Security ensures that at the highest level there is a structured, ongoing review of our strategic national security interests and systematised monitoring of progress on delivering the Government’s commitments.

Questions Nos. 132 to 136, inclusive, resubmitted.

Questions Nos. 137 to 144, inclusive, answered orally.