Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2024
66. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the engagements he has had with his Cabinet colleagues regarding the illegal transport of weapons through Ireland; the capacity within the Defence Forces to surveil Irish airspace and ensure that aircraft do not transit Ireland without the knowledge and/or permission of Irish authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39051/24]
View answer69. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the role of the air corps in surveillance and policing sovereign Irish space; the standard operating procedure should the Air Corps become aware that an aircraft is transiting sovereign Irish airspace illegally; the standard operating procedure should the Air Corps become aware that an aircraft carrying weapons of war is transiting Ireland illegally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39054/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 69 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Transport has confirmed that his Department is examining the recent media reports regarding civil aircraft flights and the carriage of munitions of war. The Department of Transport is continuing its examination of these reports, and its ongoing engagement with the air carriers concerned.As I have stated previously, it is important that the facts as to what has taken place are established, and this is the urgent work that the Department of Transport is currently taking forward. It would not be helpful to speculate on what course the Government might take until the facts have been fully established.
In answer to the Deputy's specific question of Defence Forces capacity to be aware of aircraft movements in our air space, the development of a primary radar capability was one of the key recommendations made in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. One of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities. A project team, comprising senior civil and military personnel, has commenced work on a programme of work to develop military radar capabilities. This includes military primary radar systems, ground based air defence, maritime and counter unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS).
It must be acknowledged, however, that delivery of Military Radar is both costly and extremely complex, and will take some time to deliver. Nevertheless, delivery has been prioritised by Government and the increased capital allocation for Defence includes funding for the development of a primary radar capability. As indicated in the Detailed Implementation Plan, the Needs Phase has completed, with the scope of the capabilities having been established. The Requirements Phase has now commenced which will progress in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines. The Defence annual capital budget for 2024 is €176 million. In April, I announced record levels of capital funding for Defence over the next two years of €215 million in 2025 and €220 million in 2026. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to supporting the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to the increasingly complex security threats that have emerged.
