Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
735. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to provide assurance that the State is prepared to address any potential drone attack without breaching necessary security provisions, including from AI powered drones, during Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council and the hosting of the European Political Summit. [37433/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCounter-drone capability will be necessary for major events being hosted in the State during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of this year.
The Government is committed to ensuring that the State is equipped to counter threats posed by drones through a combination of investment in domestic capability and through international partnerships, where appropriate.
An Garda Síochána is responsible for countering drones which might pose a security threat in the State in the context of the forthcoming Presidency of the EU Council.
I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána has counter drone capacity in place in terms of both detection and mitigation and that the organisation continues to build that capacity in line with best international practice. Additional funding has been provided by Government for this purpose. As the Deputy will appreciate, the specifics surrounding the equipment procured are security sensitive matters which cannot be put into the public domain.
The Irish Aviation Authority is responsible for the regulation of Irish airspace and ensuring it is used safely and efficiently.
The Defence Forces also have an important role to play both in the defence of the State and as an aid to the civil power, on request, whether in relation to counter-drone capability or other capabilities to support the safe and secure delivery of the EU Presidency. They are also making significant investments in counter-drone capabilities.
In addition to domestic capacity, the support of international partners is also available to An Garda Síochána. This support has been availed of successfully in the recent past.
As Minister, I am regularly briefed by the Garda Commissioner on the policing and security aspects of planning for the Presidency and I am satisfied that An Garda Síochána will have capacity in place commensurate with policing services in other European countries and that it will deliver a similarly effective security operation during our forthcoming Presidency.
