Sir, – Further to Derek Scally’s interesting and insightful article “Bundestag to go out with a bang by debating €1 trillion stimulus plan – unprecedented package for defence, climate and infrastructure spending” (World, March 18th), Germany’s plans to increase military spending mark a significant shift in its defence policy, reflecting the evolving geopolitical landscape and the need for enhanced security measures.
Historically, Germany has maintained a cautious approach to military expenditure due to its past, but recent developments have prompted a re-evaluation of its defence priorities.
Germany’s proposed increase in military spending includes a substantial allocation of funds to modernise its armed forces and strengthen its defence capabilities.
The plan involves creating a €500 billion infrastructure fund, with a portion dedicated to defence spending. This latest initiative aims to exempt defence expenditures exceeding 1 per cent of GDP from the country’s strict debt rules, allowing for greater flexibility in addressing security challenges.
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The increased budget will enable Germany to modernise its military equipment, including acquiring advanced technologies such as drones, satellites, and air defence systems. This modernisation is crucial for addressing contemporary security threats.
By boosting its defence spending, Germany aligns with Nato’s goal of member states allocating at least 2 per cent of their GDP to defence. This move reinforces Germany’s commitment to collective security and strengthens its position within the alliance.
The increased spending on defence and infrastructure is expected to stimulate economic growth by creating jobs and boosting industries such as manufacturing and technology
Germany’s plans include providing substantial aid to Ukraine, demonstrating solidarity with allies and contributing to regional defence.
However, the proposed spending increase may lead to higher national debt, raising concerns about fiscal sustainability and potential economic negative consequences.
Given Germany’s postwar historical aversion to militarisation, the decision to increase defence spending may face resistance from segments of the German population and the political opposition.
Allocating significant resources to defence may divert funds from other critical areas such as healthcare, education, and climate initiatives.
While the increased spending aims to enhance security, it could also escalate tensions with neighbouring countries and adversaries, potentially leading to an arms race.
Germany’s decision to increase military spending represents a pivotal moment in its defence policy, driven by the need to address emerging security challenges and fulfil its international commitments.
While the advantages include enhanced security, economic benefits, and strengthened alliances, the potential drawbacks, such as financial strain and public opposition, cannot be overlooked.
Balancing these factors will be crucial as Germany navigates its path forward in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. – Yours, etc,
MARY L CULLEN,
Dublin 12.
A shattered ceasefire in Gaza
Sir, – In launching an assault that has killed 400 Palestinians in Gaza, the Israeli government has shattered the fragile ceasefire with Hamas (“Israeli air strikes in Gaza kill at least 413, health ministry says”, News, March 18th).
We will no doubt hear words of condemnation from our Taoiseach and Tánaiste, much hand-wringing and calls for Israel to be held to account. We will not hear what actions the Government will take to give meaning to these denunciations, and we will certainly not hear about enacting the much-delayed Occupied Territories Bill.
Mr Martin and Mr Harris are strong on rhetoric, the more so to conceal their failure to meaningful action. – Is mise,
TOMAS McBRIDE,
Letterkenny,
Co Donegal.
Dublin Airport – metro solution
Sir, – Cyril McIntyre claims that a link line from Dublin Airport to Clongriffin is a straightforward solution (Letters, March 18th).
It may be straightforward to build a rail line through green lines, but that is the reason why it is not a solution.
A link line from Dublin Airport to Clongriffin passes underneath the flight plan where nothing can be built, which is why it is green fields, and will remain so as long as Dublin Airport exists.
Many airport workers live in Swords and Santry and would not be able to avail of this link line.
The frequency of trains to Howth, Sutton, Malahide and Portmarnock would have to be reduced to provide trains to the airport from the link line because the northern line is at capacity. Considering how packed these trains are in morning and evening rush hours, I imagine the residents of these towns would object to fewer trains.
And it wouldn’t take a single car off the congested roads in north county Dublin or Dublin city.
Contrary to some commentary, MetroLink is not just about Dublin Airport, but also about the people of Swords, the north county, Ballymun, Santry and the north city, and can take thousands of cars off the roads daily. None of which would be solved by a simple link line to Clongriffin. MetroLink is the only viable solution. – Yours, etc,
JASON FITZHARRIS,
Swords,
Co Dublin.
Non-alignment and neutrality
A chara, – “I walk down the street and see someone beating the proverbial out of an obviously much weaker person. Should I also remain neutral?” The fact that Vincent Murphy (Letters, March 18th) considers this an appropriate analogy with which to criticise neutrality proves that “non-alignment” would have been a more appropriate term for Ireland’s stance.
A non-aligned state refuses to sign up to any military alliance that automatically entails its participation in wars waged by that alliance. If Ireland signs up to Nato and if Nato is the bully “beating the proverbial out of an obviously much weaker” victim or is unconditionally arming the aggressor in question – Israel’s alleged genocide in Gaza, backed by Nato states, is a case in point – then Ireland is committing itself in advance to violating international law. – Yours, etc,
RAYMOND DEANE,
Dublin 7.
McGregor at the White House
Sir, – Perhaps the greatest insult the American administration could give to Ireland was the invitation of Conor McGregor to the White House on St Patrick’s Day and giving him a podium to share his personal views. As well as insulting most of the Irish population, it demonstrates the shocking decline of moral standards and judgement of a once-great nation. Shame on all at the White House. – Yours, etc,
CLAIRE O’MALLEY,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Donald Trump’s hosting of Conor McGregor at the White House was, I believe, an insult to all good Irish people and indeed to our nation.
Well done to the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste on their responses. Conor McGregor certainly does not speak for me. – Yours, etc,
PAT McMANUS,
Dublin 6W.
‘Search for Meaning’
Sir, – The recent publication of Tóraíocht an Duine ar Bhrí, the first Irish language translation of Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, is an important event in the history of Irish language publication and in our continuing national remembrance of the Holocaust; it is also of acute relevance to the existential crisis we face in the world today and how we respond to it. First published in 1946, and translated into over 50 languages, Frankl’s powerful testament has sold over 16 million copies to date. Great credit must go to translator Irene Duffy Lynch for her excellent translation – and to Coiscéim and the late Pádraig Ó Snodaigh for publishing this important book. – Yours, etc,
CHRIS FITZPATRICK,
Dublin 6.
Big Pharma and taxation
Sir, – Fintan O’Toole is correct that Ireland profits handsomely from Big Pharma’s tax gymnastics, but let’s not pretend that if we bowed out, the industry would suddenly embrace moral rectitude (“Why Trump is right about our relationship with Big Pharma”, Opinion & Analysis, March 18th). If not Ireland, then Singapore, Switzerland, or the Netherlands would happily oblige.
That said, there’s room for a more balanced approach. Instead of clinging to the “Reverse Leprechaun” as if the economy depended on it, Ireland could introduce modest reforms –ensuring these companies contribute more to infrastructure, education, or public health – without sending them packing. A little morality is good; too much, and we’ll simply watch the profits vanish elsewhere. – Yours, etc,
ENDA CULLEN,
Armagh.
Happy coincidence
Sir, – I see tomorrow is International Day of Happiness, as designated by the United Nations. I wonder was that a unanimous decision? What a relief to know that I only need to be happy on Thursday, and get it over with for the rest of the year. – Yours, etc,
TOMÁS FINN,
Cappataggle,
Ballinasloe,
Co Galway.
Meeting Ireland’s energy needs
Sir, – In an opinion piece that advocates against Ireland investing in a liquefied natural gas terminal (“The debate: Should the State develop a terminal for liquefied natural gas?”, March 11th) Aideen O’Dochartaigh states that globally it is now cheaper to produce renewable electricity than gas and coal. This claim is only correct if we ignore capital costs and look at the marginal cost of production. Why else would the development of new off-shore wind capacity in the US be at a standstill owing the removal by President Trump of Biden-era subsidies or would coal generation continue to be the predominant energy source of choice across the developing world?
Renewable energy has many benefits, most notably as regards carbon reduction, but its proponents should be honest that it requires extensive long term subsidies which are ultimately borne by the end consumer in the form of higher electricity prices, as can be seen in the price of electricity in Ireland where we face ever higher prices in the last decade as the share of renewables has increased each year. – Yours, etc,
RORY WHEATLEY,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.
Sir, – While housing is undoubtedly Ireland’s greatest challenge with the public, our energy policy is as great a challenge, if not so immediately vital in the public eye. We need an open and wide-ranging public discussion of the large discrepancy between available wind and solar energy together with offshore (when eventually available) and how this could be supported by a small proportion of low-carbon nuclear energy. – Yours, etc,
ANNE BAILY,
Carrick-on-Suir,
Co Tipperary.
Birdsong fills the air
Sir, – A kindly relative recently gifted me an app for my mobile phone which helps identify bird sounds. With the good weather last weekend, I took it out to a suitable location in Malahide to “field-test” the thing. I was no sooner in a large green space when my heart was melted by the most gloriously majestic sounds which the app quickly identified as coming from an Eurasian skylark. I, of course, knew better that the sound came straight from heaven. I also knew for certain I was listening to something of great beauty and enormous value that hopefully remains outside the reach of any trade sanctions or import/export levies. – Yours, etc,
MARTIN FITZPATRICK,
Dublin 5.
Hotel breakfasts
Sir, – In Shakespeare’s Henry IV, the King’s son says to him “Ill blows the wind that profits nobody”. The pandemic ill-wind did bring one little profit, the demise of the buffet breakfast in hotels. Gone were the deep-fried tasteless sausages, the flabby rashers of bacon, the hard dried-out black and white pudding, the overcooked fried eggs, along with the sloppy scrambled variety, the raw tomatoes and the beans with a skin forming at the corners.
Unfortunately, this culinary travesty has now made a comeback, and every morning many hotels are displaying their ability to destroy good ingredients. – Yours, etc,
TIM BRACKEN,
Cork.
Statistical inference
Sir, – From time to time, a particular issue will move me to write to The Irish Times.
However, the frequency at which I make the grade for publication is not encouraging. I calculate my failure rate at close to 80 per cent. Is this a record? – Yours, etc,
CON LYNCH,
Schull,
Co Cork.
Drowning the shamrock
Sir, – If ever there was a walking advert for paracetamol, it had to be the person I encountered wandering home at lunchtime yesterday in full St Patrick’s Day regalia. Ouch. – Yours, etc,
DAVID CURRAN,
Galway.
