Only way Ireland could join EU defence force is through referendum, says minister

Speaking about a Ukrainian bid to join the EU, Thomas Byrne said Ireland would be “very keen” to see an expansion of the bloc. Photo: Valerie O’Sullivan, File

The minister for European Affairs has said the only way Ireland would be able to join any EU defence force would be through a referendum.

Thomas Byrne’s comments come as a survey found a majority (59%) of people in Ireland are in favour of an increase in EU defence and security co-operation.