Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The College of Commissioners adopted the European Defence Action Plan on 30 November and it must go through the wide-ranging and extensive EU procedures before any part of it becomes a reality.

The aim of the plan is to explore how EU policies and instruments can ensure that the EU's industrial and skills base will be able to deliver required defence capabilities in view of current and future security challenges. As part of this plan, the Commission has proposed the creation of a European defence fund. The purpose of the fund is to promote research and innovation and contribute to the strengthening of the European defence technological and industrial base. It is also designed to stimulate further the development of key defence capabilities.

For many member states, the defence sector is a significant contributor to jobs, growth and innovation. In the EU, the defence industry makes an economic contribution of €100 billion, with 1.5 million direct and indirect employees. While Ireland does not have a defence industry, we have particular strengths in the area of dual use and civil commercial technologies that can support defence capabilities and contribute to the Irish economy.

In this regard, the Government approved arrangements in July 2011 whereby Enterprise Ireland would support the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces' capability development through engagement with Irish-based enterprise and research institutes on the use and application of innovative civilian technologies in the military sphere. The Government's decision allows for greater engagement with Enterprise Ireland and Enterprise Ireland-supported companies, which contributes to the Defence Forces' capabilities across the full range of their activities.

A co-ordinated approach will be required from Departments to ensure that Ireland is optimally positioned to avail of the industrial and employment opportunities that may arise from the Commission's proposals. In this regard, officials from my Department are co-ordinating with their counterparts in other Departments, including the Departments of Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

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