Martin: Ireland is less protected by geography in today's world

In today's world, cyber and hybrid attacks can strike infrastructure, democratic institutions, or the undersea cables on which the modern interconnected world relies, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Geography no longer offers Ireland the same protection it once did when it comes to security, the Taoiseach has warned.

In today's world, cyber and hybrid attacks can strike infrastructure, democratic institutions, or the undersea cables on which the modern interconnected world relies, Micheál Martin said.

Speaking at the Global Ireland Summit 2025, Mr Martin said that while Ireland is and will remain militarily neutral, there is a need to play an active part in the conversation about how to better counter new threats that come our way.

He added that the EU needs to take more responsibility for its own welfare and do more to ensure its own security and that of its citizens.

Tánaiste Simon Harris made similar comments at the same event as he raised the contested and complex nature of the current global security environment.

Mr Harris said Ireland's military neutrality "does not inherently insulate us from the impacts" of the changing and volatile international security environment.

There is a need to strengthen Ireland's defence capabilities and “significant work” is required, he said.

Being neutral does not mean shirking our responsibility, keeping the head down and hiding in the shadows.

"We will continue to be militarily neutral. But that does not mean we shouldn’t invest properly in defence capability."

The issues of geopolitical and security challenges will be at the forefront when Ireland takes on the presidency of the Council of the European Union once again in July 2026.

Looking ahead to this period, minister of state for European affairs Thomas Byrne gave an assurance that Ireland's EU presidency would "accommodate and reconcile the needs, perspectives and priorities" for all member states, including on security and defence.

"Defending our critical infrastructure is a prime example of where our security and defence priorities must lie, at both national, and EU level. We cannot stand on the sidelines at this critical juncture," said Mr Byrne.

During the six-month presidency, Ireland will lead through action and intends to focus on the enlargement process as well as enhancing European competitiveness.

Mr Byrne said he intends to visit every Irish constituency ahead of the presidency to engage with communities about how the EU works for its citizens.