Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I think it would be prudent to hear from groups on Brexit and on the terrorist attacks in the UK in recent weeks in order that as a budget committee we would discuss our defence budget. In that context, it would be prudent to hear from one of the Army representative associations or both, that is, RACO and PDFORRA, and they could present to the committee. We have one of the lowest spends in terms of defence capabilities in the European Union. We are now dealing with a new scenario in terms of Brexit. Clearly, events in the UK and in Waterford have highlighted the need to discuss our current budget spending on defence. Members may feel it is adequate but I do not. As a committee, we need to have that conversation. I would be eager to have that conversation in advance of our report for this year.