However, something more fundamental is at work here, relating to Ireland’s economic model and its geopolitical position between the US and the EU. Seen in this context, the reasons for increasing defence spending become more obvious. Likewise, RTÉ noted the EU’s €800bn remilitarisation plans had given a "boost" to Irish tech firms moving into the sector. The Government and media commentators often claim neutrality and defence spending are separate issues, but this fails to recognise the forces at play or is wilfully misleading. Instead, the interests of the Irish public are conflated with the interests of FDI companies due to our economic dependency.

Source: Irish Examiner January 08, 2026 01:00 UTC