A four-day forum on Irish security and defence policy begins in Cork on Thursday, amid criticism of the line-up of speakers from the opposition and president.
The aim of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy is to build public understanding and generate discussions on foreign, security, and defence policies.
The Government said the forum, which also sits in Galway on Friday and Dublin on Monday and Tuesday, will include civilian and military experts and practitioners representing "a breadth of experience and views".
The triple-lock mechanism for foreign troop deployments and Ireland's neutrality are expected to be examined as part of the conversations on foreign and defence policy.
The proceedings will be chaired by Professor Dame Louise Richardson, Oxford's first woman vice-chancellor, who was recognised in the UK's 2022 Queen's birthday honours for services to higher education.
Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Micheal Martin will speak at Thursday's session at University College Cork.
The schedule includes panels on the global security environment and the European situation following the Russian invasion of Ukraine as well as discussions on cyber security and threats to critical infrastructure.
It comes as the Irish President said Ireland is "playing with fire" in a drift towards Nato.
In an interview with the Sunday Business Post, Michael D Higgins criticised the line-up of those invited to speak at the forum, saying they comprised "the admirals, the generals, the air force, the rest of it".
Mr Higgins had also referred to Prof Richardson as a person with a "very large letter DBE" (Dame Commander of the British Empire) after her name.
He has since apologised to Prof Richardson for the "throwaway" remark.
Opposition parties have also been critical of the Government's approach to the forum as well as the line-up of speakers.
Sinn Fein spokesman on Foreign Affairs and Defence Matt Carthy said an independent foreign policy "has served us well and that neutrality should be enshrined in the constitution".
"We cannot allow neutrality to be recast as a weakness by those who would have us further aligned to Nato.
"Ireland's neutrality is a strength. It is about showing leadership on the world stage, finding solutions, de-escalating crises and, where needed, contributing to peacekeeping missions.
"It is about ensuring our security in a turbulent world.
"While government have clearly sought to use this forum to reshape public opinion rather than facilitate a genuine public discussion, Sinn Fein will use the limited opportunity available to us to set out that neutrality has served Ireland well and will be crucial to allowing us to play a positive and constructive role in the world."
Solidarity TD for Cork North-Central Mick Barry said the forum had been loaded with speakers who support increased European militarisation and hold pro-Nato views.
However, Mr Martin has said there were "no predetermined outcomes" for the process.