Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

As the Minister began his response, I presumed that my information was inaccurate and that Enterprise Ireland was not sending representatives to the European Defence Agency. As his reply evolved, it became clear that it is doing so.

How is this reconciled with stated Government policy regarding control of the export, sale and use of arms to ensure that this State does not assist the development of weapons which would have a disastrous effect if sold to inappropriate regimes? What is our involvement in this defence armaments research programme? What is the role of Enterprise Ireland in the matter? Are we seeking contracts for Irish universities or companies? What is our involvement, as a neutral state, in such European defence armament programmes?

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