Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2024
43. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the engagement of his Department with the Irish Defence and Security Association; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10944/24]
View answerThe Irish Defence and Security Association (IDSA) was established in 2021 with a mission “to ensure Ireland develops appropriate, leading edge and trusted defence and security capabilities in the land, sea, air, space and cyber domains, in order to protect our society, create jobs, drive research and enhance Ireland’s economic growth”.
National Defence Industry Associations’ (NDIA) are the norm in many EU member states, providing support to industry operating in defence markets in a number of ways, by creating networks, disseminating information and assisting contractors to find suitable sub-contractors. They are important for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The IDSA also plays a role in bridging the gap between Irish industry and Defence through regular engagement with the civil/military team in the Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) Unit within the Department of Defence.
The RTI Unit, which was established in 2021, has set a new strategic direction for Defence innovation and collaboration by driving internal innovation in the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces and contributing to the development of a security and defence dual-use innovation eco-system. The Defence RTI Unit also aims to support Irish enterprise and research bodies in accessing EU funding streams, including through the European Defence Fund and the European Defence Agency and their engagement with European networks and SMEs across the EU.
Regular engagement between the IDSA and the RTI Unit supports those objectives and includes the sharing of information regarding European Defence Fund and other opportunities that could benefit Irish industry, SME's and research institutes.
The IDSA have participated in the annual Defence networking and information events hosted by the RTI Unit for Irish Industry and Higher Level Academic Institutions. The Chairman of the Association gave a presentation at last years event and also met with officials in my Department to discuss defence industry related matters.
At Ministerial level, I corresponded in writing with the IDSA during 2023 and my predecessor, Minister Coveney met with the Association at their request in 2022. Matters relating to financing of European Defence Fund projects and other opportunities for Irish enterprises to access funding were among the topics discussed.
As required the IDSA is registered in line with The Regulation of Lobbying legislation as “Defence Security Industry and Research Ireland CLG (Irish Defence and Security Association (IDSA))".
