Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

345. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence whether his Department has had any engagement with the European Commission regarding the revelations that at least €15 million has been awarded under the European Defence Fund to a company (details supplied) owned by Israel's largest state-owned weapons manufacturer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42222/25]

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

My Department has not engaged directly with the European Commission on the specific matter of funding for this company and notes that it is not participating in any EDF-funded project involving Irish entities. Ireland‘s participation in the EDF aligns with the country’s policy of military neutrality and focuses on projects that match national priorities, such as dual-use technologies, peacekeeping and civil defence.

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

346. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence whether his Department has carried out a risk assessment regarding Ireland's participation in lending under the SAFE Regulation, particularly with regard to our obligations under the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Act 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42223/25]

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

The SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument, which entered into force on 29 May 2025, is an EU instrument designed to provide financial assistance to Member States and support their urgent public investments in defence industrial production, aiming to increase production capacity, improve the availability of defence products, and address capability gaps, particularly by engaging in joint acquisitions, where appropriate. SAFE will provide Member States with up to €150Bn of loans backed by the EU budget. This will help Member States to boost their defence capabilities through common procurement.

Ireland is yet to be make a decision regarding participation in accessing the loan facility under the SAFE Regulation. The SAFE Regulation provides for the European Commission to make loans available to Member States rather than Member States “lending under the SAFE Regulation”. The SAFE Regulation specifically states that it is "without prejudice to applicable international law prohibiting the use, development or production of certain defence products and technologies". In addition, the regulation will apply without prejudice, to the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States. As such the matter of carrying out a risk assessment with regard to Ireland’s obligation under the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Act 2008 does not arise.