The research paper published by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) and Deloitte Ireland warns that security gaps are putting Ireland’s national and economic success at risk.

Secure Together: Enhancing Ireland’s Security and Resilience in a Time of Heightened Geopolitical Risk draws on interviews with senior officials and roundtables with leaders across critical sectors.

Those leaders expressed concerns that public debates on defence and security in Ireland often collapse into ‘neutrality versus NATO’ arguments.

They argue that the more pressing need is for a national conversation focused on practical defence and national resilience.

The research was formally launched today at the IIEA Symposium on National Security and Resilience, which was addressed by the minister of state for European affairs and defence, Thomas Byrne.

Shane Mohan, partner and national government and public services leader in Deloitte Ireland, said: “Too often national conversations on defence and security in Ireland fall into silos, what we urgently need now is a practical conversation about how we can build national resilience.

“Ireland, as a small island nation in an important geographic location, is under threat in this hybrid warfare environment. National security and defence require a whole-of-government and a whole-of-society approach to build resilience.

“If we don’t do this, it threatens not just our national security, but it could damage our economic prosperity, as businesses may look towards European member states that can provide a more secure environment to locate operations.

“IIEA and Deloitte’s paper identifies the risks and also the opportunities. With EU funding, such as EU’s ReArm Europe programme, unlocking opportunities for Irish SMEs and Ireland-based organisations to develop the technology needed to defend Europe.”

Alex White, IIEA director general, said: “A nation’s sense of security is foundational to its prosperity, social vibrancy and national harmony.

“The ongoing aggression by Russia against Ukraine, coupled with the growing prevalence of disinformation, sabotage, and cyberattacks, means Ireland’s security can no longer be regarded as assured.

“With this comes the need for informed and constructive dialogue on Ireland’s evolving security environment and the policy choices before us.

“The IIEA’s ongoing work with Deloitte Ireland has been extremely fruitful in this regard, and through rigorous research and engagement with leaders across business, government, and academia, we have sought to contribute meaningfully to a national conversation of critical importance.

“This white paper… synthesises the perspectives of key stakeholders in Ireland’s national security and outlines how to strengthen Ireland’s position in a changing world.

“Inevitably there will be diverse opinion on how we best achieve this, but ensuring Ireland continues to be a place of peace, prosperity, and dignity is a responsibility we all share — and one that must remain at the forefront of our efforts.”