Coveney to seek €50m to bolster Ireland's security from foreign threats

Defence Minister Simon Coveney with Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Seán Clancy at the launch of the Commission on the Defence Forces report at the United Nations Training School, The Curragh, Co Kildare yesterday. Picture: Julien Behal Photography

Defence Minister Simon Coveney is to go to Cabinet in the next four to five months seeking support to boost defence spending by €500m per year — a 50% increase on the current budget.

His move comes after the Commission on Defence report said that the lack of investment in technology and equipment has rendered the Defence Forces unable to protect the country against hostile action.