Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)

I thank the Tánaiste. We are so far behind in our capability. Is it envisioned that what is going to be provided and online for the State will be of the highest technical standard compared with other states? Will we be bringing in equipment to a specification that is perhaps ten or 20 years behind other states?

We must improve our national security. Only when we are minding our own shop can we promote our positive neutrality. State actors who were previously allies of ours are no longer trusted so we need to invest, though not at the cost of housing or health, in our national security. This is one basic element that needs to be done.

This issue can be decoupled, to use the word the Tánaiste used in his response to the previous question, from debates around the triple lock and neutrality. This is basic, and is something we need to do to the highest standard.

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