Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
118. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence to outline the current counter-drone capability within the Defence Forces; and whether additional support from partner states is expected to be required for major events in 2026. [72599/25]
View answerI believe the Deputy is referencing planning and security arrangements for the forthcoming Presidency next year. Preparations for same are now intensifying across Government. It is important to note that National Security rests primarily with the Department of Justice and An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces’ role is to provide support to An Garda Síochána where specific capabilities are required under the Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) framework.
An Garda Síochána is central to the security planning and preparation. It has established a dedicated European Union Presidency co-ordination office to oversee all aspects of operational planning, logistics and inter-agency engagement. Support during the Presidency may include security-related and logistical assistance from across the Defence Forces — the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps — in response to requirements identified by An Garda Síochána. Pending the finalisation of any requests for assistance, I am not in a position to comment further at this juncture.
In relation to counter drone capability, as announced earlier this week I have brought forward the counter drone elements of the Military Radar procurement, which will be procured and in place next year before the EU Presidency.
