The Republic of Ireland is “vulnerable” due to its underfunded defence force and growing tech industry, the group said.
A scathing report put together by MEPs from Fine Gael, Ireland’s ruling party, painted a dire picture of security on the island.
Investment in defence and cooperation with European allies – albeit not in the form of an EU Army, which they oppose – was essential, they urged.
The report, titled ‘Ireland and the EU: Defending Our Common European Home’, said: “Ireland is vulnerable to a growing number of security threats that face the world today.
“Threats that are increasingly interconnected and less predictable. Threats such as terrorism and cyber-attacks that can strike anywhere without warning.
“Ireland is not immune from security concerns. New threats and challenges are emerging and old ones are evolving in new circumstances.”
Ireland, as a neutral state whose armed forces are primarily involved in peace keeping, has an underfunded defence which makes the country a “soft target”, the report warned.
The MEPs’ report said: “Given our historic underinvestment in Defence Force infrastructure, we could be seen as a soft target in the current global security landscape.
“This calls for a serious conversation about national security. The first duty of public
representatives is to provide security for its citizens.
“In this context, we must strive to work as close as possible with EU partners and coordinate efforts in response to new and complex threats.”
The report suggested supporting European security, considering Ireland’s stance of neutrality, strengthening its peace-keeping force, increasing defence spending and setting up a national intelligence centre.
On Ireland’s long-standing neutrality, which saw the country refuse to officially take sides during World War Two, the report called for a re-think.
It said: “Can anyone really say for sure that we are now a truly neutral country? That we would never take sides in the event of a conflict involving one of our close partners in the EU?
“These are questions that need to be debated and discussed.”