Last Friday morning, Mr. Barry Andrews MEP launched a paper entitled Irish National Security in a Changing World. It is researched by the former Deputy Cathal Berry. When we look at the executive summary inside, we see that the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, is quoted as stating in March 2025 that "Europe must do more to secure its own security and defence," acknowledging that "Ireland is not immune from these threats".

In December, Deloitte told us that we are at the most dangerous point in recent history. During a recent visit by the President of Ukraine, we had the French, the Portuguese and members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland provided security for this country. Not one Member of the Houses spoke publicly about this.

We will be quite happy to sit back and let foreigners come in and secure our country during the Presidency of the European Union. More importantly, last night we were told that Baldonnel will be the only place protected with respect to drone technology. The Department of Defence was told to buy technology to protect our airports. It bought one set for Baldonnel. What about Dublin Airport and the airports in Shannon, Cork and Knock? Is there one red-blooded Irish citizen who is prepared to say enough is enough? We are walking ourselves, our country and our economy into the depths of danger. If foreign direct investment companies start to feel that they cannot be secure in this country, there will be a flight. In the context of the likes of Dell, Digital, TikTok and LinkedIn, the Leader knows that when one came to this country, they all came. If one leaves, they will all leave.

It is time Members of the Oireachtas started asking questions. What the hell is going on with defence in Ireland? Why did the Department of Defence buy one set of drone technology? Why did it not cover the whole country? The money is there for it. Is there nobody in this House who is embarrassed by the fact we have to turn to other countries for security? I am absolutely mortified, and I wish I saw more of that mortification coming out of the Oireachtas.