Micheál Martin: Irish defence spending will have to rise amid escalating security threats

Taoiseach Micheál Martin: 'It’s not that Europe wants a war — it doesn’t, obviously it doesn’t want a war — but there’s real fear in Europe about the Russian agenda.'  Picture: Gareth Chaney

Ireland will significantly increase defence spending in the coming years, the Taoiseach has said, warning that the nation is “blissfully unaware” of the increasing threat of escalation of war within Europe.

Micheál Martin told the Irish Examiner he will establish a new Oireachtas committee on security and defence as there is a “need to create debate” on Ireland’s role within Europe and our ability to protect ourselves from cyber, energy, and maritime security threats.