Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said there is a lot of "noise" around the issues of Irish security and defence, adding it was "no big deal" when other countries aided each other on defence matters.
He had been asked if it is embarrassing that we are reliant on our European neighbours for defence.
Ahead of the Irish presidency of the EU in the second half of this year when heads of most European countries will visit , it has been widely reported that defence assistance will be required from other member states to keep them secure.
"There's a lot of noise around this security and defence thing," said Mr Martin.
"When the drones happened in Copenhagen [in Denmark] France helped out.
No big deal at the time."
He said he does not fully accept all the "negative noise" around Ireland, saying that is mostly generated by ourselves and commentators in our society.
He added that in spite of what has been said about the recent visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, "the reality is it was a success in all aspects, including security".
Mr Martin said: "We can only do so much in terms of building up our capacities and resilience which we will do, and radar and all of that is happening."
He said critical infrastructure is absolutely vital and cyber security is a big threat to companies and governmental systems all over Europe.
"We all work together on this trying to repel cyber attacks that can disrupt services and economy and then of course to make sure we have security in terms of cables and gas connectors and all of that," said Mr Martin.
His comments come ahead of memos to cabinet tomorrow from the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Helen McEntee, which will update ministers on strengthening and equipping the Defence Forces, as outlined in the report of the Commission on Defence.
