Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely. I am referring to maritime surveillance, energy conservation, chemical, biological and radiological research, and improvised explosive devices detection. These initiatives have direct relevance to defence but can use the Defence Forces' infrastructure to test products that may well have relevance and an application outside the defence sphere. In Cork Harbour at present, a company has been developing a communications system based on wireless technology. It is providing high-speed broadband to ships entering the harbour that use the platform. The company has worked with the Naval Service to develop the technology.

We will see naval vessels testing kite technology to improve the capacity for surveillance by having cameras on kites to expand the horizon and, consequently, the surveillance radius. We may well see the testing of kite technology to power ships patrolling at slow speeds along the west coast.

These are the kinds of technologies that are being considered. Drone technology is being developed by the Irish Marine and Energy Research Cluster currently. This involves a partnership of University College Cork, Cork Institute of Technology, the Naval Service and approximately 28 companies, all of which are trying to develop new technology. In the Curragh, similar projects are being developed with the Army. There are exciting developments, and the partnership between the Defence Forces and private sector can produce some very exciting results.

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