Air Corps

Tuesday, 21 October 2025

Ceisteanna (236)

Ged Nash

Ceist:

236. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence given the Air Corps has previously employed the armed PC9 as an air interceptor for high profile security events such as the visit of Queen Elizabeth II and given recent personnel issues in the Air Cops, if the Air Corps presently has trained pilots to employ the PC9 in this armed role; if it will feature as a part of security arrangements for the upcoming EU presidency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57169/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July to December 2026. This will involve a significant programme of meetings and events across the country, including a number of major summits in Dublin. My Department is committed to ensuring a successful Irish Presidency and will work closely with other Departments and State agencies in the planning and delivery of Ireland’s programme. The Defence Forces will be important in supporting the safe and secure delivery of the Presidency. As the Deputy will appreciate, for operations reasons, it would not be appropriate for me to detail the operational measures to be put in place at this juncture.