Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The time is very short for what is a very important discussion. I find this proposal deeply concerning. It is not the direction in which Horizon Europe should be moving. It would create a competitive disadvantage in Ireland if we had to competitively tender in this sort of dual-use area, quite apart from the moral implications. I recommend that the Chair and committee consider making a submission as part of this process because there may not have been time for the Department to intervene yet given that it has not seen a concrete proposal. It is, however, within the committee's rights to make a submission and make our own views at this point clear.

I have two specific questions. It is not for the Department or civil servants to take a position on what Ireland's position will be. In his opening statement, Mr. Moore stated: "Ireland has favoured retaining the civilian focus of the framework programmes and maintaining a clear separation between civilian and defence research." That is also my opinion. The Department has a new Minister. Has this issue been discussed with him yet and has he made his position clear? Whatever the Minister directs will be the position of the Department.