@ISIDEWITHQuestionsForeign policyStarted 8yrs agoActive 4 days ago

Should the government increase or decrease military spending?

Should Ireland increase or decrease military spending?

The average EU country spends 1.3% of its GDP on defence. Ireland currently spends .5% (a decline of .4% since 2008). Proponents of higher defence spending argue that the low spending puts the country at risk and the spending level should be raised to match other developed EU countries. Opponents argue that raising spending is unnecessary since armed conflicts can be prevented through diplomacy.

33%
Increase
40%
Decrease
29%
Increase
40%
Decrease
4%
Increase, but only after our deficit is drastically reduced

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from Ireland users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.

 @9LNFT33answered…4 days4D

Increase only in so much as it brings our army and navy forces up to required levels for our existing commitments

 @9LDCK2Hanswered…2wks2W

Fund and train a professional guerilla army that would make any millitary occupation of our country too costly. We could never fund an army that could prevent an invasion by any major power however we could prepare our forces in a way that turns the country into a giant trap for any occupier. Common knowledge of this would safeguard our neutrality without spending billions on tanks and planes that would be outmatched and destroyed in a few days by any modern superpower

 @9L7WP2Xanswered…3wks3W

We need more spending for maritime protection. Fish Stocks and are waters should be properly protected. So more money and people are needed in the air core and navy to protect the waters.

 @9L2W2JQanswered…1mo1MO

Only if it the money is spent on peacekeeping and giving our service personnel a decent standard of living.

 @9K94ZLQanswered…2mos2MO

Yes, to a minimum of 2 per cent of GDP and to invest in cyber infrastructure, naval and air corps upgrades

 @9H9NZH3answered…5mos5MO

Increase, however the funding should be used specifically for what Ireland needs to defend its shores & to fulfill UN peacekeeping, not power projection.

Latest News

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 @ISIDEWITH submitted…5hrs5H

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Pledges Significant Defence Spending Amid Global Instability

In a decisive move to bolster national security and affirm the United Kingdom's commitment to global stability, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a significant increase in defence spending. Amidst growing concerns over international tensions and the assertion that the world is experiencing its most volatile period since the Cold War, Sunak has pledged to raise the UK's defence budget to 2.5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the year 2030. This ambitious plan will see defence spending soar to an annual total of 87 billion pounds ($108 billion), marking a substantial investment in the nation's military capabilities and infrastructure.The announcement comes as Sunak embarks on a diplomatic tour, engaging in critical talks with NATO allies in Warsaw and Berlin. The Prime Minister's initiative underscores a strategic effort to strengthen alliances and address the rising threats that have cast a shadow over global peace and security. By committing to a significant increase in defence expenditure, the UK aims to play a pivotal role in fostering a stable international environment, demonstrating its readiness to confront challenges that may arise.This move has been framed as a response to the current geopolitical landscape, which Sunak describes as the most dangerous and unpredictable in decades. The increased funding is intended not only to modernize the British armed forces but also to ensure that the UK remains a formidable force on the international stage. It reflects a broader strategy to adapt to the changing nature of warfare and emerging threats, including cyber attacks and other forms of hybrid warfare.Critics and supporters alike are keenly observing the implications of this policy shift, with many noting the potential impacts on the UK's fiscal priorities and the broader defence strategy. As the UK navigates through these uncertain times, the government's commitment to enhancing military spending is a clear signal of its determination to safeguard national interests and contribute to global security.As Prime Minister Sunak continues his discussions with European leaders and NATO officials, the UK's pledge to increase its defence budget is a testament to its resolve to uphold peace and stability. This strategic decision not only reinforces the UK's position as a leading military power but also as a proactive agent in the pursuit of a safer, more secure world.

 @ISIDEWITH submitted…2wks2W

Canada pledges to spend more on defense; US applauds move

Canada, under pressure from the United States to ramp up defense spending, on Monday pledged billions more for the armed forces and said its military expenditures would be closer to the NATO target by 2030.In a defense policy update, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government said protecting the Arctic, as well as dealing with security challenges from Russia and China, meant Ottawa needed to beef up its defenses."We are stepping up once again, to preserve and defend the rules-based order that has allowed people around the world to prosper for the better part of the last century," Trudeau said in a press conference.Canada's military spending is set to hit 1.76% of its gross domestic product by 2030, still short of the 2% target NATO sets for member states, but up from the current 1.4%. Officials told reporters there was no target date to hit the 2% mark.It is also unclear how much of the spending program will be put into effect, since polls show the Liberals badly trailing the official opposition Conservative Party ahead of an election that must be held by late October of 2025.The U.S., which for years pressured Canada to boost defense spending, welcomed the update."The policy appears to articulate a substantial down payment toward Canada's pledge to meet its NATO commitment... we are also encouraged by the assurances we have received that there will be additional investments," David Cohen, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, said in a statement.In February, Cohen noted other nations were doing more on defense and said "I don't think Canada has any interest in being that kind of an outlier in NATO."Canada, which has an annual defense budget of around C$31 billion ($22.8 billion), aims to spend an extra C$8.1 billion over the next five years and a total of C$73 billion more over the next 20 years.The world's second-largest country by territory, Canada only has 40 million people and also plays a large role in monitoring a huge Arctic territory stretching across 4.4 million square km (1.7 million square miles) of land and water.

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