Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
814. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason his predecessor effectively vetoed a proposal to borrow €100 million for defence spending under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73918/25]
View answerAs announced on 27 June, Ireland will be leveraging the common procurement opportunities offered under the SAFE instrument to speed up delivery of Ireland’s defence capability.
Ireland did not seek to draw down funding from SAFE at this time, this decision followed engagement between the Department of Defence, the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and the Department of Finance.
This decision reflected the recent Government agreement on the National Development Plan, which sets out a capital allocation for the Defence Vote Group for the period 2026-2030 of €1.7 billion, an increase of 55 per cent on the previous baseline.
