The Future of Irish Defence Policy: an expert report launched by Barry Andrews MEP on January 30th, 2026

Report recommendations:

1. Complete the National Security Strategy as a Matter of Urgency

2. Create a Standalone Minister for Defence

3. Stay neutral and continue co-operation with our international security partners

4. Invest in our own Defence Forces.

5. Re-establish Ireland’s own Air Policing Service

6. Remove Ireland’s ‘Triple Lock’ mechanism

7. Support the manufacture of military equipment by Irish companies

8. Expand the Ireland-UK Defence Memorandum of Understanding

9. Greater Irish involvement in CSDP and PESCO

10. Join European Air Transport Command in Eindhoven

11. Review Ireland’s obligations under Article 42.7 of the TEU (mutual assistance)

Irish National Security in a Changing World