Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 July 2018
153. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to include a dedicated budgetary heading on security and defence in the multi-annual financial framework of the EU and the budgetary implications for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29611/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra157. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the financial implications for Ireland arising from the EU Commission proposal of 13 June 2018 for a regulation establishing the European defence fund for the period 2021 to 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29615/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 and 157 together.
The next EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF) will determine the budget spending for the EU for the period from 2021-2027. On 2 May 2018, the European Commission presented its EU budget proposals for the MFF. Included in this, the Commission proposed a budget of €13 billion, over the seven year period, be dedicated to the European Defence Fund - €4.1 billion to defence research and €8.9 billion to the development of defence capabilities.
The 2021-2027 MFF process is at a very early stage. The allocation of resources across all of the various EU sectoral funds will be considered in the context of the eventual total agreed budget for the EU.
On 13 June 2018, the Commission put forward proposals for a Regulation establishing the European Defence Fund for the period 2021-2027 under the 2021-2027 multi-annual financial framework. It aims to trigger cooperative programmes that would not happen without an EU contribution and, by supporting research and development activities, to provide the necessary incentives to boost cooperation at each stage of the industrial cycle. Collaborative projects with significant cross-border participation by small and medium-sized enterprises will be particularly encouraged. This will ensure that the Fund remains open to recipients from all Member States, regardless of their size and location in the Union.
In addition, the Commission proposes that the Union enhance its strategic transport infrastructures to make them fit for military mobility. A dedicated budget of €6.5 billion will be earmarked in the Connecting Europe Facility.
In relation to defence spending, Government policy is defined within the parameters of our national budgetary process and role of Dáil Éireann. Within the EU, it is accepted that defence and security is a national competence, including national spending on defence and security.
