Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
121. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Defence the assessments undertaken of Defence Forces protocols for securing airspace, following the recent drone incident near a Naval Service vessel during President Zelenskyy’s visit to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71852/25]
View answer151. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Defence her views on the reported drone sightings in north Dublin during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Ireland; and the measures in place to detect, deter and disable unauthorised drone activity during high profile visits from international dignitaries. [71840/25]
View answer155. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Defence to provide details of the drone threat identified on the day of President Zelenskyy’s visit; the way in which her Department plans to combat future incursions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72031/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 121, 151 and 155 together.
A widely reported incident occurred on Monday, 1st December, regarding drones operating in the vicinity of a Naval Service vessel in the Irish sea. Notwithstanding some suggestions, at no stage was the flight of President Zelensky compromised and the security operation, led by An Garda Síochána was successfully deployed through multiple means ultimately leading to a safe and successful visit to Ireland by President Zelensky. As previously mentioned, I would ask Deputies to reflect that ongoing speculation in respect of this incident is neither accurate nor helpful to our reputation.
I have been fully briefed in my capacity as Minister for Defence as part of the National Security Committee on the initial findings and I am reassured that both the Defence Forces and An Garda Síochána have and are examining this matter extensively.
One of my key priorities as Minister is to ensure that Defence Forces capabilities are maintained, developed and enhanced so that the organisation can meet all Government-assigned roles, including those that may arise as a result of drone incursions. The Defence Forces’ work in this space aligns with broader national security planning.
In this context, work is well underway on the Military Radar Programme, which is a significant capability enhancement. Full delivery of the Programme will be complex; but has been prioritised with elements of this capability being rolled out in phases, from 2026, two years ahead of the scheduled delivery for the full suite of Radar capability.
