Mr. James Ryan:

We are undertaking what we call a mapping exercise currently, identifying what capabilities are existent in the innovation ecosystem in Ireland, what companies are out there and what capability they could supply to the Department. We have an equipment development plan that is ongoing and under development. Items that are on that plan would be put to tender. We would have an open tendering process. The Deputy mentioned the requirement for drones for the Defence Forces. Any requirement for drones would be put to tender. That may be something we could look at under the SAFE joint procurement initiative. Small drones are part of the category 1 opportunity for capability within that.