Enterprise Ireland: cocktail networking for the arms industry in the French embassy

Enterprise Ireland went “cocktail networking” for the arms industry at the French embassy – the day after media reported government was set to relax rules on state agencies backing defence companies. 

Staff from Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Space Association (ISA) and the Irish Defence and Security Association (IDSA) spoke at the France-Ireland Security Industry Forum in the embassy on 29 April. 

The day before Irish media had reported that government, in a move led by enterprise minister Peter Burke, would allow the likes of Enterprise Ireland and the IDA to work with arms and dual-use companies without government approval. 

A senior Enterprise Ireland staff member said in their speech at the event, “While detailed implementation still lies ahead, the direction of travel towards engagement with dual-use and defence activity is now clear.”

Attendees were invited to two hours of “cocktail networking”, according to correspondence released to The Ditch under freedom of information legislation. 

‘Merci beacoup’

An itinerary for the France-Ireland Security Industry Forum at the French embassy shows speakers included French ambassador Céline Place as well as French defence industry representatives. 

There was a panel discussion on “Franco-Irish cooperation in the areas of security and defence” moderated by the French Defence Procurement Agency.

Afterwards the Irish Defence and Security Association, Irish Space Association and Enterprise Ireland gave remarks before ten companies gave three-minute pitches. 

Enterprise Ireland has redacted the names of each company. 

After a 15-minute break, participants took part in a “B2B Matchmaking Session.” 

Correspondence related to the event, seen by The Ditch, shows Enterprise Ireland staff coordinating with IDSA and officials from the French embassy. It shows that the IDA was also invited to the event. 

In remarks prepared for the event, one staff member at Enterprise Ireland conceded, “Ireland has not traditionally focused on the defence and security domain,” and, “Historically, our engagement in these areas has been cautious, limited, and in some cases constrained by policy and legislation.”

“Merci beaucoup,” they signed off,  “and I wish you all a productive afternoon.”

IDSA lobbies government on behalf of international arms manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, Saab, Patria and Airbus. In April 2025internal IDSA correspondence obtained by The Ditch revealed the group's plans to target politicians, influence policymakers and place articles in the media – despite acknowledging the Irish public is not interested in greater spending on arms

Previous reporting by The Ditch has shown that the IDSA has held secret meetings with government officials, and that it is connecting Irish businesses with international arms manufacturers – including ones it represents. 

An Enterprise Ireland spokesperson said, “Enterprise Ireland's approach to dual-use items has not changed. We continue to operate in line with long-standing government policy and with national and EU export controls administered by the Department of

Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Two colleagues from our research, innovation and infrastructure division attended this networking event.”

IDSA was contacted for comment.