Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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188. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to outline engagements with the UK defence secretary; if those discussions included discussions on policing of Irish airspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49028/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In discharging the fundamental responsibilities of the Executive as set out in the Constitution, the Government’s engagement in international security cooperation is aimed at ensuring public safety and is conducted with full respect for Irish sovereign decision-making authority and for Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.

In discharging these responsibilities, and in my capacity as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, I regularly engage collectively and bilaterally on a broad range of matters relating to security and defence with international colleagues as and when the opportunities present themselves. I have most recently engaged with UK Secretary of State for Defence, Mr. John Healey MP, concerning Ireland's ongoing support to Ukraine in response to Russia’s illegal and ongoing aggression against that State.

Concerning any discussions on policing of Irish airspace, the Government's consistent approach is that we do not comment on certain matters of national security. However, I would stress that all policies are conducted with full respect for the Constitution, Irish sovereign decision-making authority and for Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.

I look forward to engaging further with the UK Secretary of State for Defence as and when the opportunity arises.