Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
219. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Defence her views on ensuring that defence investments in the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework fully respect national competences and Ireland's specific choices regarding neutrality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13824/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s position in relation to defence investment at European Union level is clear and consistent. This is explicitly recognised under the EU Treaties, which affirm that national security and defence remain the sole responsibility of each Member State. Ireland maintains a policy of military neutrality which is characterised by non-membership of military alliances and non-participation in common or mutual defence arrangements. Defence therefore remains a national competence, something borne out by the differing responses and actions taken by EU Member States in the aftermath of the Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.
Negotiations on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework and related instruments, including the European Competitiveness Fund, are at an early stage. Ireland will engage constructively in these discussions, as we do across all areas of EU cooperation, while fully respecting our long-standing policy of military neutrality and our sovereign decision-making prerogatives.
Ireland will continue to emphasise that any EU-level defence-related investment must respect Member States’ national competences and their diverse security and defence policies. We will carefully assess proposals to ensure that they do not create obligations that would be inconsistent with Ireland’s neutrality or our independent decision-making authority in defence matters.
The Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding Ireland’s military neutrality. Our engagement at EU level will continue to reflect this commitment. As negotiations progress, Ireland will work constructively with partners to ensure that outcomes respect national competences, preserve Member State sovereignty in defence matters, and remain fully compatible with Ireland’s specific policy decisions.
I will continue to keep developments in this area under review and ensure that Ireland’s interests and longstanding policy positions are fully reflected in our engagement at EU level.
