Gerard P. Craughwell: Warns Ireland Exposed After Foreign Security Deployment
Gerard P. Craughwell criticised Ireland's security arrangements, arguing the State relies on foreign forces for protection and that the Department of Defence bought only one set of drone-defence technology for Baldonnel. He warned this leaves major airports unprotected, risks foreign direct investment and called on Oireachtas members to demand answers.
Paper and warnings
Barry Andrews MEP launched a paper entitled Irish National Security in a Changing World, researched by the former Deputy Cahill Berry. The Executive Summary cited the Taoiseach's March 2025 statement that Europe must do more for its security and Deloitte's December 2025 warning that the country faces the most dangerous point in recent history.
Foreign security presence during VIP visit
During a recent visit by the Ukrainian President, security in Ireland was provided by the French, the Portuguese and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, a fact which, Craughwell said, went uncommented on by members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. He criticised the apparent willingness to rely on foreign security forces while public scrutiny remained limited.
Drone protection purchase and airport exposure
Craughwell said he was informed that the Air Corps at Baldonnel would be the only site protected with drone technology after the Department of Defence purchased a single set intended to protect airports. He asked what protection exists for Dublin Airport, Shannon, Cork and Knock and called the purchasing decision insufficient and embarrassing.
Economic and parliamentary consequences
He warned foreign direct investment could be at risk if large employers perceive Ireland as insecure, citing the pattern of clustered investments. He urged Oireachtas members to raise questions about defence procurement and security policy, and noted that Senator Crotwell had already raised related issues and that the minister is scheduled for a debate on security on 25 February.
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Go raibh mhagat ghaar hir lach. Last Friday morning, Barry Andrews, MEP, launched a paper, Irish National Security in a Changing World. It's researched by the former Deputy Cahill Berry. Inside, when we look at the Executive Summary, we see that in March 2025, Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated that Europe must do more to secure its own security and defence, acknowledging that Ireland is not immune from these threats. In December 2025, Deloitte tell us that we are at the most dangerous point in recent history. And during a recent visit by the Ukrainian President, we had the French, the Portuguese and the Police Service of Northern Ireland providing security for this country. Not one member of the Houses of the Oireachtas spoke publicly about this. We're 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 the Air Corps, the 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. They bought one set for Baldonnel. What about Dublin Airport? What about Shannon, Cork, Knock? Is there one red-blooded Irish citizen that is prepared to stand up and say, enough is enough? We are walking around the place, walking ourselves, our country, our economy, into the depths of danger. Foreign direct investment, if it starts to feel that it cannot be secure in this country, there will be a flight. And you, Leader, know that when the likes of Dell, when the likes of Digital, when the likes of TikTok, LinkedIn, when they came to this country, when one came, they all came. If one leaves, they will all leave. Now, it really is time that members of the Oireachta stood up and started asking questions. What the hell is going on in defence in Ireland? Why did the Department of Defence buy one set of drone technology? Why didn't they cover the whole country? The money is there for us. Is there nobody in this house that's embarrassed at the fact that we have to turn to other countries for security? I am mortified by it. Absolutely mortified. And I wish I saw more of it coming out of the Oireachtas. Senator Crotwell has raised the issues of security, and particularly the recent visit to the Ukrainian President and the drone incursions and investment and the forthcoming presidency of the European Union and our ability to defend ourselves. These are all very genuine issues. I know he's a very active member of the Defence Committee. I know Minister Helen McEntee is due in, I think, on the 25th of February for a debate on issues of security. Senator. Thank you.
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