Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Generally speaking, I do not use that juxtaposition. I do not know where the figure comes from but I presume it is our net contribution more generally. I have read the report and presumably it is some extrapolation of our overall net contribution. Ireland is a net contributor to the European Union. We do not have a strong defence industry in Ireland. That is why we do not draw down significant funding in terms of that defence fund. If the companies are looked at, they were in the technology space. Some were in the recycling of weaponry space, if I read the report correctly in the newspaper. It is not surprising given the absence of a significant critical mass defence industry in Ireland.

Ireland has been known for pharmaceuticals, life sciences, technology more generally and the food industry. They are the big ones in Ireland rather than defence.