In an increasingly unstable world, Ireland must strengthen its defence capability, says Young Fine Gael.
Today, Young Fine Gael (YFG) has published its new policy document, The Future of Irish Defence, setting out a clear roadmap for enhancing Ireland’s Defence Capabilities in key areas in an era of rapidly shifting geopolitical realities.
The policy argues that, in a world defined by unpredictable threats, Ireland must prioritise our national defence and security by bolstering investment, increasing capabilities, adapting our security institutions, and focusing on key areas of national interest in maritime and cybersecurity, as well as fostering deeper cooperation with our allies.
YFG’s analysis of public opinion reveals a significant lack of confidence in the State’s current defence capabilities. In response, the organisation has outlined a five‑point plan to restore public trust and build meaningful defensive resilience.
YFG’s Five-Point Plan Includes:
- Raising the National Defence Budget to €4.05bn annually.
- Establishing cybersecurity as a core pillar of national defence, including the creation of a National Cyber Security and Defence Command.
- Revitalising and future‑proofing Ireland’s peacekeeping deployment capabilities.
- Protecting critical infrastructure and defending Irish sovereignty through investment in dual‑use infrastructure protection technologies.
- Adapting Ireland’s neutrality model by fostering deeper cooperation with neighbouring states and adopting Sweden’s “Humanitarian Great Power” (Humanitär Stormakt) approach.
YFG President Jamie Malone said:
“This policy document tackles five of the most important issues facing the future of Irish Defence and Security. What is laid out here is a roadmap to enhanced defensive capabilities, adding integrity to our neutrality, and public reassurance that our Defence Forces have been resourced to protect the nation from future threats, whether they be maritime, airborne, or in cyber space.”
He continued:
“4 years ago it would have been absurd to think that war would return to the continent of Europe and that Greenland’s sovereignty would be threatened. In recent years, we have seen these become unfortunate realities. It is the responsibility of Government to ensure that in a world of evolving and hybrid threats that we take our Defence and National Security seriously, and act to invest in the capabilities of our Defence forces.”
“With these five points, YFG offers a route away from complacency towards active neutrality where we can become more defensively self‑sufficienct and build greater resilience to the threats of today and of tomorrow. The time to act is now.”
Shane Price, International Secretary of Young Fine Gael, added:
“Small nations cannot afford strategic naivety. Around Europe, we see countries of Ireland’s size taking their security seriously because they understand that sovereignty without capability is an illusion. Ireland must do the same. Strengthening our defence forces is not about militarism – it is about responsibility, credibility, and ensuring that our neutrality actually means something.”
Eli Byrne, International Policy Officer of Young Fine Gael, added:
“At a time where Ireland must navigate significant changes in the world, we felt it was appropriate to examine Ireland’s peacekeeping policy to gain a better understanding of how it operates and the strategic underpinnings behind it. At the heart of our thinking is what best serves the interests of Ireland, our peacekeepers, and the people they go overseas to protect.”
Harry Fay, member of the Young Fine Gael International Committee, added:
“This policy Document is a roadmap for safety. It remains vital that we continue to foster positive relationships with our neighbours in the face of global shifts. However, this is no longer enough. We must be prepared to increase our own efforts to defend our island, as hard power becomes a more dominant diplomatic language worldwide. This policy document presents a pathway to achieve this successfully”.
Young Fine Gael officially launched its new policy document on Tuesday, 17th February in the AV Room of Leinster House. Young Fine Gael was pleased to present its policy document to Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Helen McEntee at the launch event and looks forward to working together for a stronger, safer, and more secure Ireland in an increasingly insecure world.