John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Before the Minister of State responds I wish to take up the point he made on security.

My understanding of this matter, having read the briefing document and listened to what the Minister of State said, is somewhat different from what I had thought. It seems to be about the production of arms as a way of supporting jobs within the EU, rather than the use of arms. It has been made clear that this communication is not a communication on security or defence policies. It seeks to promote competitiveness in the defence industry, in view of its importance in terms of jobs and output at EU level. Ireland has no significant economic interest in this industry.