We are facing unprecedented global instability and Ireland needs to significantly increase funding of our Defence Forces and consider joining NATO according to businessman Denis O'Brien. Mr O'Brien was speaking at the 9th Valentia Lecture which was on the topic of "Ireland's Place in the World of 2040".
He also called for greater regulation of social media companies.
Mr O'Brien said that we are at a crucial crossroads and that Ireland's strategic position on the edge of Europe comes with significant responsibilities.
Image courtesy of Brian O'Connor
He referenced the 375 underwater cables near or through our seas and questioned what would happen our reputational and financial systems if any of those cables were to be severed by what he described as a bad actor.
Mr O'Brien said that we can no longer rely on others to protect us and that we can't abdicate our responsibilities. He said that we need to review our stance on neutrality and better fund our defence forces. He said that this should include joining NATO as we are better being with them.
Mr O'Brien said that increasing investment in our defences should include the Army, Navy, Air Corps and a drone fleet to monitor the safety of underwater cables.
The businessman also called for greater regulation of social media companies saying the negatives of their services outweigh the positives by 100 to 1. He said we have to take a position as a society or we will be left picking up the pieces.
Mr O'Brien said that discussion, even in the Dáil, is becoming more aggressive and that we have to change the discourse and the increasing abuse women and others face on social media. If necessary this should include asking Facebook to leave Ireland and telling them we don't want their money, according to Mr O'Brien.
