Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
110. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has been informed of a proposal by the European Commission to establish a programme modelled on the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) scheme, to support the EU arms industry; if he intends to oppose the establishment of such a programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53236/23]
View answerThis question does not fall under the remit of the Department of Foreign Affairs and is more suited to Department of Defence who have provided the below response:
No proposal has been submitted by the European Commission to establish a programme modelled on the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Scheme. Rather, I can confirm a reference to the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) was contained in an Issues Paper provided to Member States as part of a wider consultation process informing the development of a European Defence Industry Strategy. The Strategy is expected to be released by the Commission in February 2024.
Should any such proposal be made in the future, Ireland will consider its response in light of the proposal’s objectives and contents in the context of any potential implications for Ireland and our Foreign and Security Policy.
