EU defence procurement deals will 'benefit' Ireland 

A Russian soldier guards Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station in territory under Russian military control, in Ukraine. Conflict in Ukraine has spurred EU officials to address 'gaps' in Europe's defence. Picture: PA

The Government says moves to deepen EU cooperation on procuring defence equipment will benefit Ireland in terms of planning, reducing costs, and enhancing security of supply.

The Department of Defence said that being a small country with “limited purchasing power”, Ireland is at risk of being put behind large countries in terms of the priorities of defence manufacturers.