Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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127. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence whether officials from his Department have met with lobbyists from the arms industry in the past 12 months; the dates and attendees of these meetings; the agenda of these meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5450/25]

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 (NDIAs) 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.

The dates of the two meetings where officials from my Department have met with the IDSA over the 12 past months, and the relevant attendees are listed below. There was no agenda set for either meeting.

1. Meeting on 2nd October 2024 attended by the Head of Strategic Change and Capability Development Division in the Department of Defence.
2. Meeting on 12th December attended by the Head of Strategic Change and Capability Development Division and the Head of EU/Industry Engagement Branch in the Department of Defence.