Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
172. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Defence if recent reporting that the Defence Forces have informed the Gardaí that they are unable to provide anti-drone security for EU Presidency meetings is accurate; if so, the reason this is the case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12530/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Immigration and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the national security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP) which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. On each occasion that the support of the Defence Forces is required, An Garda Síochána request their assistance and accordingly, any security assessments, and consequent decisions to seek support from the Defence Forces, are a matter for An Garda Síochána.
As the Deputy will be aware An Garda Síochána is central to the security planning and preparation, to that end, it has established a dedicated European Union Presidency co-ordination office to oversee all aspects of operational planning, logistics and inter-agency engagement. I can assure the Deputy that the Defence Forces are in ongoing engagements with An Garda Siochána. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate to comment any further on matters of national security.
With Ireland assuming the Presidency of the EU from July this year, there is an urgent operational requirement to prioritise delivery of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities for the Defence Forces. Following Dáil approval on 3 December last of a Supplementary Estimate which provided for the accelerated procurement of C-UAS capabilities for use by the Defence Forces, contractual arrangements have been put in place to enable delivery of these capabilities during the first half of this year. In line with these arrangements, training of military personnel is already underway and the further roll-out of the required capabilities will continue to be accelerated this year.
With Ireland assuming the Presidency from July, for operational security reasons it would be inappropriate to make any further comment on this matter, at this time.
