Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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402. To ask the Minister for Finance 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. [11333/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s policy of military neutrality means that Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. The Government has been clear that it has no desire to alter Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.It is clear, however, that no state acting alone can address the entirety of existing and emerging security challenges. As a result, Ireland has been engaging constructively with the development of the EU White Paper on the Future of European Defence, and sees value in the Member States of the European Union working together to mitigate some of the threats and challenges we collectively face.

Ireland has similarly taken a constructive approach to the proposals outlined in President von der Leyen’s ReArm Europe initiative which will assist Member States to fund White Paper objectives. It is a further opportunity for EU Member states to demonstrate a credible and unified approach in taking responsibility for our own defence, whilst also stepping up our collective efforts to support Ukraine in the short term, and ensure its strategic autonomy to defend itself in the long term.

Two days prior to the 06 March European Council summit on European Defence, President Von Der Leyen wrote to Leaders outlining summary details of the European Commission’s plan, containing five pillars, to increase expenditure on Europe’s defence and security.

The 06 March European Council considered the matter and its conclusions called for the relevant proposals to be brought forward swiftly.

Those conclusions also clarify at paragraph six that they are “without prejudice to the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States, and takes into account the security and defence interests of all Member States, in accordance with the Treaties”.

The Commission has not yet brought forward any proposals regarding the five pillars of its plan. It is expected that the European Council will further discuss European Defence at its upcoming meeting on 20-21 March.

My officials will scrutinise the details of any proposals that emerge which fall under the remit of my Department.