Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentation.

PESCO has 60 projects. We only tap into about 10% of those. What other projects could Ireland tap into?

I want to address the key gaps in Ireland’s defences and capabilities. Will the budget of €1.5 billion by 2028 be enough to address the glaring gaps we face? I am thinking of the big radars, the unauthorised aircraft in our skies and the secret arrangement we have with the RAF, which patrols our skies for us. The Naval Service protects our 1,400 km of seas. Illegal fishing and drug trafficking are going on. What about keeping our commercial lanes open and protecting our ports? These are things we need to do. I am sure Brexit has increased traffic on our waters as well. Underwater cabling is also important. Will the witnesses address the key gaps in Ireland’s defence mechanisms? Will that money be enough?