Should the Irish Defence Force be Better Funded? | The Tonight Show

April 12, 2024 Admin Politics

<h2>Should the Irish Defence Force be Better Funded?</h2> Claire Brock is joined by Paul Murphy TD, Broadcaster Alison O’Connor, Barry Cowen TD and Managing Director Feargal Purcell to discuss the possibility of increased funds for Ireland’s Defence Forces and the legitimacy of Irish neutrality. Paul Murphy TD is very concerned with the increased spotlight put on Ireland’s position on neutrality. He believes a “shock doctrine” is taking place across Europe to increase public appeal of increased militarisation. He believes Leo Varadkar is using this to “do away” with Irish neutrality. Alison O’Connor thinks that Ireland has not been politically neutral when it comes to the Ukraine crisis. She thinks that there needs to be a conversation about Irish neutrality, however, now is not the time with the Russian invasion looming over the public’s head. Alison points out that the Defence Forces are heavily underfunded. She finds it ironic that there are talks of putting €3 billion towards Irish defence considering this gross underfunding of late. Barry Cowen TD believes there needs to be a massive investment put into the wellbeing of our Defence Forces. Barry points out that neutral countries have a right to defend themselves with non-lethal weapons. He believes we should be thankful we have a means that we can protect ourselves. Claire asks the panel what they think about the possibility of Ireland joining NATO. Feargal Purcell believes we need to “tap the breaks” in conversations when it comes to neutrality. He suggests we solve the problem that is in front of us first. He states we cannot have conversations about NATO or neutrality in the context of a fraught environment. He suggests using the Citizen’s Assembly as a vessel to have this conversation. He points out how it helped have conversations about Marriage Equality and the Repeal the 8th movement. Feargal makes reference to Ireland serving under NATo missions before. Claire reminds the panel that that was in a peacekeeping capacity. Paul believes we should ensure that our Defence Forces stop living in poverty, which is their current condition. He points out that even if the government went with the middle option of funding which is €500 million, that would be 2,000 homes not being built. He does not believe we should give money to the “dealers of death and destruction” who would use it for international issues when we have a cost of living crisis at home. Virgin Media News is Ireland’s national independent television news service. Live at 12, 5:30 & 7pm on Virgin Media One. #VMNews #Ireland #TonightVMTV #DefenceForceFunding #IrishNeutrality #Russia #Ukraine #News Credit to : Virgin Media News

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