Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2021
287. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Defence the aims of the high-level seminar for Irish Industry and research Institutions focused on research and development funding opportunities in security and defence which took place on 25 November 2021; if he is satisfied that the hosting of this event is in accordance with traditional foreign policy objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58968/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe event to which the Deputy refers took place as a webinar on Thursday last. Its aim was to provide information to Irish industry and research institutions on the opportunities for EU funding for research and development projects and engagement in cross-border European programmes and projects in the security and defence domain.
Contributors to the event included the European Commission (Directorate General for Defence Industry and Space) and the European Defence Agency. The event also involved a number of European enterprises sharing their experience of the wide-ranging opportunities that there are for Irish research institutions and industrial entities in the security and defence domain, particularly for exploitation of dual use technologies. Industry associations representing Defence and Security research and enterprise also participated in the event.
The seminar was in support of Irish companies , especially SMEs, who are engaged in the development of technologies that keep our Defence Forces safe whether they are on missions and operations overseas or undertaking the range of duties at home in Ireland together with wider security and defence capability.
The event, which was very well attended by Irish companies and research institutes, including the higher education sector, follows on from the publication last year by my Department and the Defence Forces of a Feasibility Study which, inter alia, identified the value of having a research technology and innovation capability within the Defence Organisation that focuses on technologies at lower technology readiness levels (TRL) that have broad potential utilisation in both the civil and security and defence spheres and on leveraging innovations from the civilian sector in a manner that offer potential benefits for our Defence forces as well as for industry and academia.
The recent establishment of the RTI Unit in Defence has the potential to set a new strategic direction for Defence innovation and collaboration in Ireland, to drive internal innovation in the Defence Organisation and to contribute to the development of a security and defence dual-use innovation eco-system. The Defence RTI Unit will also support Irish enterprise and research bodies in accessing EU funding streams, including through the European Defence Fund and the EDA and their engagement with European networks and SMEs across the EU.
Supporting Irish research and enterprise in accessing funding and in exploiting opportunities in capability development in the security and defence domain, and participation by such entities in such research and development opportunities, does not compromise Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality. These initiatives do not involve Ireland becoming a member of a military alliance nor a participant in any mutual defence arrangements. I am satisfied that this event was consistent with Ireland's foreign policy, including our participation in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy and our traditional policy of military neutrality.
