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 |
See how support for each position on “Military Spending” has changed over time for 16.2k Ireland voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
See how importance of “Military Spending” has changed over time for 16.2k Ireland voters.
Loading data...
Loading chart...
Unique answers from Ireland users whose views extended beyond the provided choices.
@9LNFT337 days7D
Increase only in so much as it brings our army and navy forces up to required levels for our existing commitments
@9LDCK2H3wks3W
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
@9L7WP2X4wks4W
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.
@9L2W2JQ1mo1MO
Only if it the money is spent on peacekeeping and giving our service personnel a decent standard of living.
@9K94ZLQ2mos2MO
Yes, to a minimum of 2 per cent of GDP and to invest in cyber infrastructure, naval and air corps upgrades
@9H9NZH35mos5MO
Increase, however the funding should be used specifically for what Ireland needs to defend its shores & to fulfill UN peacekeeping, not power projection.
Stay up-to-date on the most recent “Military Spending” news articles, updated frequently.
Explore other topics that are important to Ireland voters.