Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The substantial discussions I have engaged in with my ministerial colleagues regarding the use of drones have focused particularly on the areas I mentioned in my reply. Drones can undertake a range of useful functions in areas like maritime surveillance and troop protection. I am not aware of any conspiracy like that referred to by the Deputy. I reiterate that this State does not have any drones with armed capability. I recall a well-known and respected radio broadcaster being outraged one day when he heard, based on a misunderstanding, that we had drones. It was very helpful to have drones in Chad because they facilitated forward surveillance to provide troop protection. They were the circumstances in which the drones were used. Of course it is important that civilians do not lose their lives as a result of the inappropriate use of armed drones by any nation. Ireland is not engaged in such activity. Indeed, I am not aware of any such activity that happens on an EU-led basis. As far as I am aware, there is no EU mission at present in which drones are deployed in this manner on an EU or UN basis to target anybody.

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