Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

26. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 117 of 5 February 2025, if the minutes as requested will now be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6078/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, 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.

The minutes requested under PQ 117, refer to two meetings the Department held with the IDSA, one in October and one in December.

It is my intention that, going forward, the Department of Defence will publish the minutes of all meetings held with the Irish Defence and Security Association on the Departments website.