Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

At this point, is Ireland providing input? This is a discussion paper. I know how the Commission works. Ireland has an input. Is Ireland feeding back? Ireland has very specific obligations in terms of neutrality. We also have very clear obligations in respect of the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Act and other areas. There are serious concerns. Horizon used to be about smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Of course, we need that Horizon funding to tackle our climate crisis and the many social problems in Ireland. If that is redirected into defence and military, that takes from those purposes. It also creates specific issues for Ireland as a neutral country. Why has Ireland not taken a clear position to say that we want Horizon to retain a civilian purpose? Why are we not conveying that back?