The Irish government disputed claims that Ireland relies on the British military to protect its seas and undersea cables.
Leo Varadkar spoke during a side panel event on neutrality at the 2024 Munich Security Council.
Ireland has a national defense force, including a navy, but maintains a long-standing position of military neutrality.
Mr Varadkar disputed that Ireland actually relied on the British military to protect its seas and protect its undersea cables.
He replied: “When it comes to the protection of our seas, we have our own navy, but it is not as strong as we need. We also have agreements with Pesco and NATO Partnership for Peace, especially related to the cables that surround us. .It’s an important island to us, and it’s important to our neighbors.
“I am not aware of any specific UK interventions that have helped us in this regard.”
Mr Varadkar further objected: “It essentially belongs to the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy.”
The Taoists answered: “When did that actually happen?
“When was the last time there was any action or operation by the air force or navy that helped us?”
he said: “We all know that if these facilities are threatened, as is often the case with maritime security and human security, it is a source of security to which we can return.” During World War II, food supplies for 26 counties were guaranteed by the Royal Navy covering convoys.
“I don’t think what I’m saying is controversial in any way.”
In response, Mr Varadkar said: “You are saying that in a hypothetical scenario there might be an intervention by the Royal Navy or the Royal Air Force, but to my knowledge that has never happened and This suggests that the Navy or Royal Air Force may intervene.” Will military force intervene in our territorial waters without our permission? ”
He was told that Britain was likely to intervene if there was a Russian invasion that threatened Britain’s security.
Mr Varadkar responded: “That’s exactly the point. They’re probably doing it to protect themselves, not us.”
The Irish government also questioned claims that the size of the Russian embassy in Ireland was related to Northern Ireland’s proximity to British territory.
Mr Varadkar said there were 15 diplomats and 15 other staff at the Russian embassy in Dublin, which he said was “large for a small country like Ireland, but far from huge”.