Tánaiste ‘open to spending more’ on defence

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association in Paris, France

The Tánaiste said he is “open to spending more on defence” as he placed an emphasis on security during the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Simon Harris said this could include accessing EU loans to address gaps in defence capabilities.

In a speech at the Irish Embassy in Paris to mark the Saint Patrick’s Day period, Mr Harris said Ireland’s presidency in the second half of 2026 would involve working with other member states to make Europe “more secure”.

The Tánaiste then gifted a glass bowl of shamrock to Benjamin Haddad, France’s minister delegate for European affairs, as a symbol of the relationship between the two countries.

Mr Haddad told the same event that France would be a “key partner and supporter” of Ireland’s presidency, which he said came at a “critical moment for the continent”.

“In this moment, we can agree that we need a strong European voice on international affairs.

“We need a strong Europe which will come first with the deepening of our competitiveness.”

In reference to the invasion of Ukraine, Mr Haddad said Russia represents a threat to European democracies and their infrastructure.

“We also need to strengthen the common European industrial defence base.”

He added: “We need to accelerate in the next 12 months to continue to reduce our dependencies and to increase the ability for Europeans to take ownership of their own security and defence.”

Mr Haddad said this would be “absolutely critical” in times of war and with “questions arising” over Europe’s relationship with the US.

Asked afterwards if Ireland was coming under pressure to increase defence spending from EU counterparts, Mr Harris told reporters he was “open to spending more”.

He said the State was spending more on defence than ever before and was “significantly and speedily increasing our capabilities”.

He said France had been a “very important source” in boosting defence capabilities through Government-to-Government procurement in the sector.

He said he would also be open to “having a conversation” around Ireland applying to the Council of the European Union’s Safe loan scheme for defence measures.

“As finance minister, I’m open to spending more in relation to defence. ”

Mr Harris said gardaí and the Defence Forces are “working really hard” on preparations for the presidency.

Asked about the threat of drone incursions, he added: “Many European countries, including some who spend very large sums of money on defence, have seen incursions into the airspace and the likes.

“I think it’s less about whether that happens and more about how you respond, and I’m confident Irish authorities will know how to respond correctly should such an incursion happen.”

Elsewhere at the reception, Mr Harris met the Ambassador of Ukraine to France.

In a speech, he told the Ukrainian embassy staff that: “I want you to know – on this Saint Patrick’s Day period – Ireland stands with you and Europe stands with you for as long as it takes.

“Because while there is a brutal illegal war on your territory and your country, it is an attack on all of our values and security.”

The Tánaiste also met with the ambassadors to France from Lebanon and Palestine.

He said he was “particularly concerned” about the security situation in Lebanon, where Irish peacekeepers are stationed, and told the Palestinian diplomat that Ireland would always “stand in solidarity” with the people of Palestine.

Mr Harris’ itinerary also involves a meeting with French Finance Minister Roland Lescure and engagements with Irish businesses in the country.