The UK and Republic of Ireland have recently engaged in high-level discussions on military cooperation, as confirmed in a parliamentary written response by Defence Minister Luke Pollard to Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell.
Rosindell had asked the Ministry of Defence what recent discussions had taken place with Irish counterparts regarding military cooperation on the island of Ireland. In response, Pollard stated:
“The Secretary of State for Defence wrote to the new Tánaiste following his appointment in January 2025, congratulating him on his appointment, and the Chief of Defence Staff visited Ireland on 12 and 13 February, where he met the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces and Secretary General of the Department of Defence.”
While specific details of the discussions were not disclosed, the meetings indicate an ongoing dialogue between the UK and Ireland on security and defence matters. Historically, cooperation between the two nations has focused on peacekeeping operations, maritime security, and cross-border security issues, though Ireland’s long-standing policy of military neutrality shapes the scope of its engagement with foreign defence forces.
The announcement comes amid broader discussions within Ireland about its defence capabilities, with recent government reviews exploring areas such as cybersecurity, maritime surveillance, and infrastructure resilience.
Ireland moves to block court on secret UK ‘air defence’ deal
While the UK and Ireland do not have a formal defence alliance, continued discussions between defence leaders underscore the importance of regional security cooperation, particularly in areas such as joint training, intelligence-sharing, and crisis response coordination.
As a neutral country Ireland is entirely responsible for its own security. For any background info or example of what might be necessary, see Switzerland.
Yes and no, Ireland has a different approach to neutrality to Switzerland. Ireland is militarily neutral, not politically neutral. For any background info, see the Irish Government website on their position on neutrality.
Ireland’s neutrality is whatever the government of the day feels like they can live with/need, it’s never been a concrete position and there’s a reason why it’s never been formally laid out.
Switzerland like Sweden before was an armed neutral, this is a moral position, the Republic of Ireland is free loading tax haven that claims neutrality so it doesn’t have to pay any money. This would not be so bad if it didn’t also blame its neighbour for all the problems in the world and it’s own country while also expecting its evil next door neighbour to provide all of its security for free. This is a neutral country of such moral repute that its elected president blamed Ukraine equally for starting the war and has called on them to surrender.… Read more »
One reason I’d love to see an EU military is because they’d just turn to Ireland and go “Yeah pay up, we’re all funding the join Armed Forces.”
Defence like Foreign Policy are areas that no member state is willing to give up control to anyone else, so even in these times an “EU military” isn’t going to be some sort of unified entity. Not too mention the current Treaties, or current events.
I’m impressed George manages a second article in a row on Ireland completely ignoring any of the current news about defence in Ireland. That’s fairly impressive, or deliberate.
You mean about the investment of €600-800 Million in purchasing up to 300 armored vehicles from the French, combat helo procurement, primary radar, additional air lift C295 ,mid lift utilty Helos and an capital investment of €400 million Euro annually for the next 5 years beyond the defence budget?
That’s old news, Harris came out yesterday backing moving to LoA3 post 2028, has ordered costings to be drawn up and backed procurement of a squadron of fighters to be based in Shannon, and the Navy to be brought up to 12 ships with full capabilities, along with the expansion of the Army. Now of course, there’s always a question of politicians being politicians, but this wasn’t an off the cuff moment, there’s been plenty of press articles on it, suggesting a planned position. Just thought that might be more interesting than a relatively common engagement like this article talks… Read more »
I missed that but good to know.
Trump has changed the dynamic of the world order now. He has picked a fight with Canada ( $1 Trillion in annual trade a year). If that is not a warning sign to the world then I don’t know what is.
Irish military neutrality is a paper shield at best.
Given the timing of the meeting of the two Chief’s of Staff, it might have been to discuss finalising the transfer of the Giraffe radar systems to Ukraine, it was right after the last Ukrainian support meeting.
Hopefully the negotiations revolve around how much Ireland will pay us for any assistance we give. If they can’t be bothered to pay for their own defence then they need to pay the UK.
There were no negotiations. What gave you that idea? There would have been a normal(ish for Anglo Irish relations) chat between new government figures, and a discussion between the Chiefs of Staff, as I said given the timing and subsequent announcement it might have been in relation to the Giraffe 4 systems we are giving to Ukraine.
As for the rest, like I said, interesting that George picked this story for his Irish story and not others, some perhaps slightly more important…
Just for context to illustrate what Mark is saying , yesterday the deputy prime minister (tanaiste) Simon Harris called for a big increase in defence spending, including the purchase of up to 15 fighter jets that would be based at Shannon airport, with initially at least, civilian private contractors to look after maintenance of the aircraft. Also mentioned was an increase in ‘fully equipped ‘ naval vessels.
The usual suspects will shriek in indignation about hospitals, homeless, housing etc, but there is an acceptance politically that the world has changed.
Ireland can be neutral but they are unable police / monitor their own airspace or waters. Allows Putin to play about.