Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
487. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence the way in which Ireland’s defence spending as a share of GDP compares to that of other neutral countries in the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42169/14]
View answerThe latest comparable figures on Defence expenditure as a percentage of GDP, obtained from the European Defence Agency, are set out in the table below. The figures show that, in 2012, Ireland’s Defence expenditure, including Army Pensions, at 0.55% of GDP, was the lowest of these countries.
|
Country |
2012 Defence expenditure as a % of GDP |
|
Ireland |
0.55% |
|
Malta |
0.58% |
|
Austria |
0.80% |
|
Sweden |
1.13% |
|
Finland |
1.47% |
Each country pursues a Defence policy that reflects its particular requirements and there can be significant differences in the proportion of funding that differing States allocate to Defence. I am fully committed to ensuring that the Defence Forces can continue to meet this State's defence policy requirements. The preparation of a new White Paper on Defence is a key priority as it will provide the defence policy framework for the next decade and beyond. Defence policy is a critical aspect of Government policy and I am determined to ensure that the new White Paper fully addresses the Defence response to future security challenges and related resource requirements in a comprehensive way.
