Public Consultation on the development of a National Security Strategy

The Government is proposing to develop a National Security Strategy. The process is being led by the National Security Analysis Centre.

The new Strategy will aim to set out a whole of Government approach for how the State can protect its national security and vital interests from current and emerging threats over the period 2020-2025. Like many other states, the security environment that Ireland now faces is broad and changing. Traditional threats from terrorism, for example, remain a concern while newer threats such as those arising in the cyber environment or from a changing geo-political landscape will present new challenges.

While a number of Government Departments and services have a central responsibility to protect the State, other Government and non-government services and bodies may increasingly have a role in the national security space and we may need to develop new capabilities to respond to the changing environment.

The purpose of this consultation is to hear a range of views from the public regarding national security issues, including the nature of the threats that Ireland faces, how they may impact on Ireland and the approaches that might be adopted to address them.

Timeframe

The formal Consultation process will run from 5 to 31 December 2019 and feedback is welcome from any interested parties. You are invited to respond by email to the questions below.

Alternatively, you may wish to send in a submission setting out the comments or observations you wish to make with regards to National Security concerns, goals, strategy and capacity.

• Question 1 – In a rapidly changing world what in your view will be the principal threats to Ireland’s national security from 2020 – 2025?
• Question 2 – In your opinion, what strategic goals should Ireland adopt for national security?
• Question 3 – In your view, will the traditional national security policies and approaches remain relevant for Ireland over the coming decade?
• Question 4 – What strategic capabilities will the State need to develop in order to enhance its capacity to protect the State and the people from current and emerging threats?

Replies or submissions can be sent by email to: contact@nsac.gov.ie or by post to:

Please note that individual inputs will not be responded to, but will be collated with a view to informing the development of the National Security Strategy. Following the closing of the consultation period, submissions may be published, but individuals' names will not be disclosed.