Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
491. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Defence if he will expand on his comments where he spoke about greater involvement by Irish companies in the global military industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54796/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the question relates to remarks included in a recent media article, following a recent information and networking event at the Aviva Stadium hosted by my Department and the Defence Forces. That event provided opportunities for Irish Industry and research institutions interested in collaborating on security, defence and dual use technology projects.
While I have spoken recently about the potential role for Irish Industry and researchers working on individual projects or collaborating in security, defence and dual use technologies, at no point did I refer to the “greater involvement by Irish companies in the global military industry”.
Indeed, at the recent information and networking event, I specifically said that “Ireland does not have a defence industry like other European member states, and it is unlikely that we will ever have one”. I also expressed my support for the development of “defence innovation in Europe and strengthening the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB) in response to rapid developments of new and disruptive technologies as an essential geostrategic factor in shaping an international security environment.”
I also said in the Dáil, in relation to the likelihood of the Defence Forces participation in Chapter VII missions, that “we need to see this as a challenge that we can only respond to over a number of years. That means investing more in defence and being unapologetic and transparent about what that means, rather than pretending that somehow a neutral country does not have to invest in defence”.
The information and networking event at which I spoke was in support of Irish companies, especially SMEs, and Irish research institutions who are engaged in the development of technologies that enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces and keep them safe, whether they are on missions and operations overseas or undertaking their range of duties at home in Ireland. These companies and research projects also create high-level employment across Ireland and export cutting edge technology around the world.
