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Irish Examiner
34 minutes ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Work on Cork taskforce 'ongoing' as Fine Gael appoints first ever spokesperson on city
Fine Gael has appointed its first ever spokesperson on Cork with the Tánaiste insisting that work is ongoing to establish the city taskforce his party promised within the first 100 days of government. Simon Harris was speaking during a visit to Cork on Friday as he announced that Cork North Central TD Colm Burke will play a leading role in ensuring that the 'issues that matter most to the people of Cork are front and centre of the government's agenda'. In the run-up to the general election last November, Fine Gael ministers Helen McEntee and Paschal Donohoe announced their party's commitment to the establishment of a new Cork City Taskforce within the first 100 days of government to rejuvenate the city centre and drive major infrastructure projects. That 100-day deadline passed in early May. Mr Harris insisted that the taskforce is still 'a very clear commitment' in the program for government but said there is still a bit of work to be done on it. Simon Harris said Colm Burke (pictured) brings a wealth of experience to the new role as Fine Gael spokesperson on Cork and that one of the areas that must be prioritised is the delivery of the new taskforce. File picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos He said Mr Burke, a former senator and minister, brings a wealth of experience to the new role as Fine Gael spokesperson on Cork and that one of the areas that must be prioritised is the delivery of the new taskforce. 'This is something that government is working on and I think the example we have seen in Dublin shows that a taskforce will benefit businesses and communities alike,' he said. 'We have seen the difference it can make in Dublin this week, where government, local government and community stakeholders, work together and say 'what's our common vision – let's stop this silo (thinking), that's a job for the council, that's a job for the government, that's a job for somebody else – let's actually pull together and say where do we want the city to be over the next 10 to 15 years. 'We've now done it in Dublin. It needs to happen in Cork.' He declined to discuss in detail its funding allocation, pending a detailed analysis of what might be required, or to comment on whether the establishment of a 'special purpose vehicle' will be required through which the funding would be channelled. But he said the model followed by the Dublin taskforce could be replicated in the second city. He said: The Dublin plan looks at a variety of things, as I imagine a Cork one would too. It looks at dereliction, at vacancy, at how you can bring landmark buildings back into use. 'It looks at how you can have a common vision for your city. It looks at safety and policing. It looks at a whole variety of things.' But he added: 'The government will have to consider when it wants to press go on that (the Cork taskforce) in due course, and then obviously the composition of it as well.' Mr Burke said with a growing population, Cork needs to see the development of key infrastructure such as the Cork to Limerick road and the northern distributor road for the area to thrive. 'I am committed to working with the businesses across Cork, who have given such vibrancy to the region,' he said. 'Our pharmaceutical, IT, and service industries are thriving, and we want to see new locations identified to ensure continued development of this industry and all businesses in Cork.'
Irish Post
11 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Post
Ireland joins EU SAFE defence scheme
IRELAND is set to join the EU's new Security Action for Europe (SAFE) scheme. This will speed up Ireland's ability to acquire new defence systems like cyber and air defence technology. Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris is expected to formalise the decision this week, marking a major change in Irish defence policy. The SAFE initiative, which came into force in May, streamlines defence procurement across the EU and provides financial support. It allows member states to bypass traditional procurement rules, allowing faster access to weapons and systems. Ireland's move comes in response to growing instability around the world. Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and the unpredictable nature of Donald Trump have pushed the EU to strengthen its defence. Alongside SAFE, the EU recently announced its €800 billion ReArm Europe Plan, aimed at building a more self-reliant European defence network. The European Commission has made it clear: 'The era of the peace dividend is over.' Domestically, Ireland is also rethinking its neutrality. The government may soon drop the requirement for a UN Security Council mandate to send troops abroad—a move prompted by concerns over Russian and Chinese veto power. Mr Harris has also proposed doubling Ireland's defence budget to €3 bn annually. While Ireland lacks a traditional arms industry, its tech sector is well positioned to benefit. Companies like VRAI, which develops VR training tools for military applications, are advocating for greater investment in Irish-led innovation. The Irish Defence and Security Association (IDSA) is urging the government to support local SMEs in defence procurement. Ireland has long relied on a stable international order for its security. But with alliances shifting and threats growing, the government is making it clear: Ireland must be better prepared for what the future holds. See More: Defence, EU, IDSA, SAFE Scheme, Simon Harris
The Journal
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Journal
Ireland joins EU defence initiative as countries across the bloc rearm
IRELAND IS TO sign up to a new EU initiative that supercharges military equipment purchases as Europe launches a huge drive to rearm, the Tánaiste has announced. Simon Harris, who is also Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs and Trade, made the announcement this morning. The EU instrument called Security Action for Europe (SAFE) is an EU initiative intended to help member states focus on priority areas and address capability gaps. There have been some frustrations in the Irish Defence sector at the apparent slow pace of procurement but the Department of Defence believes that this initiative could quicken the pace of purchases by up to two years in some cases. This is achieved through engaging in joint acquisitions including ammunition, artillery systems and infantry equipment. Other areas such as critical infrastructure and cyber protections, air defence systems as well as drone and anti-drone tech. There is also a part of SAFE which will make a €150 billion capital pot available to member states which can be drawn down in low interest, long term loans. The EU, in its recent White Paper on Defence , has set out a plan to supercharge the European defence industry as countries across the Union rearm. Part of that plan is to ensure that countries like Ireland focus on purchasing from the arms industry of fellow member states. In practice, it will be much faster now for Ireland to acquire specific equipment in areas prioritised by the Defence Forces, in some cases up to two years quicker than under the current procurement rules. Advertisement As reported previously by The Journal Ireland had engaged in so-called Government-to-Government bilateral engagements but this is a more formal and more effective version of that. The Tánaiste said that he is 'steadfast' in his commitment to get Ireland up to the standard of other nations and that he will move through the initial agreed Level of Ambition Two by 2028 and onto Level of Ambition Three. This is criteria set out in the Commission on the Defence Forces which identified key failings in Ireland military capabilities. 'Availing of the possibilities available under the SAFE Regulation will allow Ireland to realise this ambition more quickly and more efficiently. 'I am determined to provide for the development of a full spectrum of Defence Force Capabilities that will bring Ireland in line with other similar-sized European countries. 'I have agreed, therefore, that the Department of Defence should leverage the common procurement opportunities offered under the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) Regulation as much as possible to progress delivery of Ireland's defence capabilities needs as quickly as possible,' he said. SAFE has an element which is a new EU financial instrument which will provide financial assistance to Member States to support their urgent public investments in defence industrial production, aiming to increase production capacity, improve the availability of defence products, and address capability gaps. The Regulation provides, amongst other things, for existing framework agreements or contracts held by Member States to be modified to add other Member States' requirements providing certain eligibility conditions are met. The regulation focuses on common procurement initiatives and associations with Ukraine's defence industry, ultimately strengthening the EU's overall defence readiness. The SAFE instrument will support Member States wishing to invest in defence industrial production through common procurement, focusing on priority capabilities. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Post
13 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Post
Ireland becomes first EU nation to introduce ban on trade with Israeli settlements
IRELAND has become the first country in the EU to bring forward legislation that bans trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The law, titled the 'Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2025', was approved by the Irish Cabinet and is now headed to the Oireachtas committee for pre-legislative scrutiny. Tánaiste Simon Harris described the bill as a moral and legal response to the 'horrifying situation' in Gaza and Israel's continued settlement expansion in occupied territories - actions deemed illegal under international law. Speaking at a press conference, Mr Harris stated, 'Ireland is speaking up and speaking out against the genocidal activity in Gaza.' He acknowledged Ireland's isolation within the EU on this issue, saying that no other EU country has yet introduced similar legislation. 'We're pretty lonely out there,' he said. 'But in the absence of Europe moving together, we're going to go ahead with our own domestic legislation.' He called on his EU counterparts to join Ireland in pushing for collective action. 'It would be a hell of a lot better if Europe moved together on it, and a hell of a lot more impactful,' Mr Harris said. The legislation follows the 2024 International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion, which concluded that Israel's settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem violate international law. The ICJ also held that third countries must stop aiding or trading with such settlements. Mr Harris cited this ruling as a driving force in the legal foundation of Ireland's new bill, arguing that trade with these settlements contributes to maintaining an illegal situation. The proposed law will criminalise the importation of goods from Israeli settlements, granting customs officials authority to inspect, seize or confiscate them. 'We want a law that is impactful and compliant with the laws of our land,' he said. While nine EU member states - including Spain, Sweden and Belgium - have recently called on the European Commission to explore ways to align trade practices with international law, none have gone as far as Ireland. 'This is an issue that I will continue to press at EU level,' he stated, adding that he hopes Ireland's example will act as a catalyst for broader European action. The move has drawn swift condemnation from Israeli officials. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar labelled the legislation 'shameful', accusing Ireland of singling out Israel during a time when it faces threats throughout the region. 'It is regrettable that even when Israel is fighting an existential threat, which is in Europe's vital interest - there are those who can't resist their anti-Israeli obsession,' Saar wrote on social media. Despite this, Mr Harris emphasised that Ireland's stance is not anti-Israel but rooted in international legal obligations and humanitarian concerns. He pointed to widespread Irish public outrage over the situation in Gaza, saying, 'Everybody in this country is sickened to the pit of their stomach with the genocide they see in Gaza… particularly children.' With the bill now before an Oireachtas committee, the government expects all coalition members to support it as part of the Programme for Government. Whether Ireland's move sparks broader EU action remains to be seen. See More: EU, Israel, Palestine, Simon Harris, West Bank
BreakingNews.ie
17 hours ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Ireland to sign up to €150bn EU defence initiative
The Government is set to sign up to a new major European Union defence programme. The €150 billion initiative – called Security Action for Europe or Safe – will allow member states to jointly procure military equipment. Advertisement It will also give them access to long-term, low-interest loans in an effort to boost defence against Russian aggression. Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris is expected to announce the decision to join the programme later on Friday. The Government believes becoming a member will allow Ireland to secure military equipment at a lower cost and faster pace – in some cases up to two years earlier than under existing procurement arrangements. Ireland 'Fight to defend Irish neutrality is on', Sinn Féi... Read More The decision to sign up to the Safe regulation represents a significant step towards closer co-operation between Ireland and the EU on defence issues. It is likely to draw significant criticism from pro-neutrality campaigners who will view it as further erosion of Ireland's non-aligned status within Europe. During previous discussions on the proposals, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said joint defence procurement is about achieving value for money and would have no impact on neutrality. The Safe initiative is a core pillar of the European Commission's ReArm Europe Plan, which aims to inject €800 billion into the EU's defence industry over the coming years.
