Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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468. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform whether recently announced ReArm Europe plans by Ursula von der Leyen, particularly the announcement of more flexible use of EU funding towards defence investment, will result in Irish taxpayers' money being used to fund arms manufacturing, lethal military aid, and other potential breaches of Ireland's military neutrality at an EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11332/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, I have responsibility for Ireland's Cohesion Policy and the Partnership Agreement with the European Commission on Ireland's Cohesion Policy Funds.

President von der Leyen wrote to leaders of the EU Member States on 4th March noting, amongst other matters, that the Mid-Term Review of Cohesion Policy programmes, which is currently underway, was an opportunity for more flexible use of funds and direction of funds to different priorities.

President von der Leyen's letter was followed by a special European Council meeting on 6th March, attended by the Taoiseach. That Council conclusions included the following:

"The European Council recalls that all military support as well as security guarantees for Ukraine will be provided in full respect of the security and defence policy of certain Member States and taking into account the security and defence interests of all Member States."

The European Council will meet again on 20th March and my officials will be examining the details of any proposals relating to Cohesion Policy funds as they emerge.