はともかく（として）Leaving aside for now
Sets issue A aside for the moment so that the speaker can focus on a more immediate or important issue B. A is not necessarily unimportant or actually excluded; it is simply not the main concern right now.
How the priority shift works
Put the issue being bracketed before the expression, then state the current priority afterward. The second part may present an action to take, a point to evaluate, or the issue that deserves attention first. The construction does not by itself say that A is bad, irrelevant, or permanently dismissed.
Setting one issue aside
In each example, the first issue remains possible or relevant, but the speaker chooses not to settle it yet.
費用はともかく、今は安全性を最優先に考えよう。
Leaving the cost aside for now, let's make safety our highest priority.
Analyze間に合うかどうかはともかく、まず担当者に連絡しよう。
Whether we can make it in time or not, let's contact the person in charge first.
Analyzeデザインの好みはともかく、この椅子は長時間座るには硬すぎる。
Whatever one thinks of the design, this chair is too hard for sitting in for long periods.
AnalyzeA more deliberate transition
実施時期はともかくとして、まず計画の目的について合意する必要があります。
Leaving the implementation date aside for now, we first need to agree on the purpose of the plan.
AnalyzeThe fuller form suits a meeting or formal discussion in which the speaker is deliberately organizing the agenda.
Setting aside versus allowing an exception
はともかく postpones discussion of A so that B can take priority. By contrast, ならともかく treats A as a potentially acceptable or understandable case and then contrasts it with B, which is not acceptable in the same way.
子どもならともかく、大人がそんな言い訳をするのは困る。
It might be understandable from a child, but it is troubling for an adult to make that kind of excuse.
AnalyzeThis is the exception-and-contrast pattern, not the temporary shelving pattern taught on this page.
More examples
細かい表現はともかく、内容はよくまとまっている。
Leaving the finer points of expression aside, the content is well organized.
Analyze行くかどうかはともかく、招待には今日中に返事をしたほうがいい。
Whether you go or not, you should respond to the invitation today.
Analyze値段はともかく、この店は駅から近くて便利だ。
Leaving the price aside, this shop is conveniently close to the station.
Analyze成功するかどうかはともかくとして、この試みには検討する価値がある。
Regardless of whether it will succeed, this attempt is worth considering.
Analyze結果はともかく、最後までやり切ったことは評価したい。
Whatever the result, I want to give credit for seeing it through to the end.
Analyze冗談はともかく、そろそろ本題に戻ろう。
Joking aside, let's get back to the main subject.
Analyze