Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In December 2013 the European Council, in its conclusions on the Common Security and Defence Policy, CSDP, highlighted that "Europe needs a more integrated, sustainable, innovative and competitive defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB) to develop and sustain defence capabilities. This can also enhance its strategic autonomy and its ability to act with partners".

An effective EU defence technology industrial base is considered necessary to ensure member states will have assured access to supplies of defence material and services. The European defence industry can enhance the European Union's strategic autonomy and its ability to act with partners in support of international peace and security. In addition, for many member states, the defence sector is a significant contributor to jobs, growth and innovation and has a strong economic leverage effect. In this context, the European Council endorsed the Commission's proposal for a preparatory action on CSDP-related research, which is seen as a test mechanism for a proposed defence related research programme.

The objectives of the preparatory action are to stimulate investment in defence research and technology throughout Europe and generate the collaborative research and technology that will be required to support future capabilities. This preparatory action may ultimately pave the way for a European defence research programme post-Horizon 2020. Horizon 2020 is the framework programme in the European Union for funding industrial and sectoral research and development. The programme is funded from the EU budget. The Commission has proposed a budget of €25 million in 2017 to fund the defence preparatory action and the European Parliament, on 26 October, approved this funding.

I understand the individual to whom the Deputy has referred, who represents the European Network Against Arms Trade, has voiced concerns about the approved funding for the preparatory action, including the belief the European Union is subsidising the arms industry. The preparatory action on CSDP-related research should be welcomed. As the Deputy is aware, Ireland does not have a defence industry. However, it does need to equip its Defence Forces with modern and advanced equipment for force protection on crisis management and peacekeeping operations. In this regard, I should point out that one of the key issues raised by Members of this House when the Government decides to deploy Defence Forces' contingents on missions is the extent to which they are appropriately equipped with the most effective defensive equipment. For the European Union to sustain and maintain a defence industrial capacity to deliver essential capabilities for operations, it needs to invest and develop in technologies for the future. The funding provided by the preparatory action will go some way to securing this.

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