Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

I agree with greater efficiency and better value but I am concerned about the concept behind the research and technology fund. Is the Minister aware that Javier Solana, the EU foreign policy chief, stated that the purpose of the fund is to spend more together and more efficiently on research and technology? The press release stated that the Ministers reviewed three possible approaches to increasing spending and collaboration on defence research and technology. How does that square with the Minister's claim that the commitment to the EU will not involve increased military spending? Will the Minister make a commitment that the State will not participate in this fund and increased spending in the future? If he is not giving that commitment, how much money does he intend to spend on the first aspect he mentioned and will this research and technological forum cover aspects of military nuclear research?

See this speech in context