Protesters have interrupted the Taoiseach’s speech at the Government’s Forum on International Security Policy.

Leo Varadkar was speaking at the third session of the forum, which aims to kickstart debate on Ireland’s security, foreign policy and neutrality.

The forum has come in for strong criticism from opposition politicians and the anti-war movement – with opponents accusing the government of attempting to undermine Irish neutrality and forge closer links with NATO.

The Government has insisted there are no plans to join the military bloc.

Today’s session is being held at Dublin Castle, with protesters gathering outside since this morning.

Protesters have interrupted the Taoiseach’s speech at the Government’s Forum on International Security Policy.

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As the Taoiseach began his speech, he was interrupted by a protester who accused the Government of ‘back-to-back attacks on neutrality’ and called for the Irish people to have their say on the use of Shannon Airport by the US Military.

Another protester then accused him of ‘driving Ireland towards a militarist union’ and eroding neutrality.

He also made claims about the ongoing war in Ukraine, which the Taoiseach dismissed as ‘conspiracy theories’ before continuing with his speech.

The Government has said the aim of the forum is to build public understanding and generate discussion on Ireland’s foreign, security, and defence policies.

Protesters shouting ‘shame’ and ‘no to NATO’ interrupted the first day of the forum in Cork last Thursday and there were further protests on Day Two in Galway.

These protesters told Newstalk why they have been gathering outside Dublin Castle since this morning.

“I’m genuinely scared by the manoeuvres the Government are pulling to drag us into NATO and to break Irish neutrality,” said one.

“The way the Government is handling this neutrality issue is just crazy,” said another. “I want Ireland to stay neutral.

“I resent the fact that the leaders of this country and jeopardising the welfare of the people of this country.”

People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett addresses protesters outside Dublin Castle, where the government's Consultative Forum on International Policy is taking place, 26/06/2023. Image: Norma Burke/RollingNews

The President Michael D Higgins was among the first to criticise the forum, warning that the Government was ‘playing with fire’ during a period of ‘drift’ in Irish foreign policy.

Opposition parties including Sinn Féin, Labour, the Social Democrats and People Before Profit have all defended the President’s right to speak on the matter and voiced concern about the forum.

The Government has defended the event, with the Taoiseach labelling it a ‘deep dive’ into Ireland security policy and insisting it is not about whether Ireland should join NATO or any other alliance.

Meanwhile, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs has insisted the protesters have “nothing to fear” from the topics under debate at the forum.