The government’s new maritime security plan, which will be announced this week, must not erode Ireland’s commitment to neutrality, according to Social Democrats defence spokesperson Sinéad Gibney.
Deputy Gibney said:
“Under successive Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil governments, investment in our defence forces was allowed to decline to dangerous levels – resulting in a recruitment and retention crisis and a lack of strategic defences when it comes to things like cybersecurity and anti-drone technology.
“I await the publication of the government’s new maritime security plan with interest, but it should be noted that just four of the country’s eight naval vessels are currently capable of being used to patrol our seas.
“Any maritime security strategy must deal with the elephant in the room – this government’s failure to adequately invest in our defence forces, particularly our personnel and their essential equipment, over many years.
“As regards co-operation with other countries, it makes sense for Ireland to co-operate with our nearest neighbours, France and the UK. However, any co-operation with a military alliance like NATO, would have to be defined in scope and subject to appropriate oversight to safeguard our military neutrality and guard against mission creep.
“We need assurances that any maritime security cooperation does not slowly evolve into a de-facto NATO mission without any UN mandate or appropriate scrutiny.”
February 23rd, 2026