Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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116. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the basis on which engagements with lobbyists for international arms manufacturers are reportedly kept confidential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4272/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Defence and Security Association (IDSA) was established in 2021 with a mission “to ensure Ireland develops appropriate, leading edge and trusted defence and security capabilities in the land, sea, air, space and cyber domains, in order to protect our society, create jobs, drive research and enhance Ireland’s economic growth”.

National Defence Industry Associations’ (NDIA's) are the norm in many EU Member States, providing support to industry operating in defence markets in a number of ways, by creating networks, disseminating information and assisting contractors to find suitable sub-contractors. They are important for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and in that context the IDSA plays a role in enhancing awareness between Irish industry and my Department through periodic engagement. Engagement between the IDSA and the Department of Defence provides a structure for the sharing of information regarding the European Defence Fund and other opportunities that could prove beneficial to Irish industry, SMEs and research institutes.

With regard to confidentiality, heretofore the Department of Defence has released records relating to meetings with the IDSA in accordance with Freedom of Information requests received.