Shay Brennan (Dublin Rathdown, Fianna Fail)

In recent weeks, we have seen an increase in Russian drone incursions into airspace of several EU member states. These were accompanied by threats to energy and transport infrastructure. Both the European Parliament and the Council have called for a stronger, more co-ordinated EU response including potential joint air defence measures, tougher sanctions and new protocols to address aerial and hybrid threats. Could the Taoiseach outline Ireland's position in these ongoing EU discussions? Specifically, is Ireland advocating for a common European air defence framework for greater intelligence sharing and protection of critical infrastructure or for stronger co-ordinated sanctions? Finally, how does the Government assess our own capacity to respond to hybrid attacks and what forms of EU solidarity or support does it consider most vital in this context?

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