Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2024
29. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he has received recent official requests from the European Commission to strengthen the Irish Defence Forces; if so, the reasons for doing so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21890/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am happy to confirm to the Deputy that no request, official or otherwise, has been received from the European Commission in relation to the strengthening of the Irish Defence Forces.
In any case, and as the Deputy will be aware, decision-making power in relation to Defence remain a national competence under the European Treaties, and it remains a matter for Ireland, and any and every other individual EU Member State, to decide our own way forward in this regard.
Nevertheless, Ireland remains a strong supporter of the EU's Common Security & Defence Policy (CSDP), and will remain fully engaged in all CSDP processes in order to contribute fully to the development of the Policy in order that we can influence its evolution.
Though broader EU policy in this regard evolves in response to circumstance - most particularly exemplified by the EU's response to Russia's continued aggression towards Ukraine - and as evidenced by the agreement of the Ukraine Assistance Fund under the European Peace Facility, and by the European Commission launch of its Communication of a Defence Industrial Strategy, any additional obligations proposed towards Member States must be mindful of the Treaties, and will be subject to negotiation and agreement by all Member States, including Ireland.
Where any such proposals are made, they will be examined in full cognizance of Ireland's national policy in this regard.
