Ireland has lowest level of spending on defence of eight comparable EU countries — report

Researchers said the Naval Service had a 'frontline role in State security', from defending territorial seas, conducting maritime surveillance, protecting maritime assets, combating drug trafficking and organised crime, keeping sea lanes clear and combating illegal fishing. Picture: David Creedon

Ireland has the “lowest level” of spending on defence when contrasted with eight other comparable EU countries — and we will still be spending less than half they do despite Government plans to increase expenditure by 2028.

In a detailed analysis, the Oireachtas Parliamentary Budgetary Office said despite increases in the defence budget between 2012 and 2024, its priority, compared to other departments, had “generally fallen”.