Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the question. I think this is the first time he is asking questions in his capacity as spokesperson on defence. I congratulate him on his appointment and look forward to ongoing engagement.

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by the Government, both at home and overseas. AirNav Ireland, which was formerly part of the Irish Aviation Authority, IAA, exercises air traffic control responsibilities for both sovereign airspace and also airspace over the high seas, largely off the western seaboard. All air traffic, civil and military, is monitored and controlled by AirNav Ireland in respect of this airspace and in line with International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO, rules it is normal practice for AirNav to be informed by the relevant state of any military flights operating in Irish-controlled airspace.

The development of a primary radar capability was one of the recommendations made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces last year. In response to that a project team comprising senior civil and military personnel has commenced work on planning for military radar capabilities. This includes ground-based, maritime and primary radar systems. Delivery of primary radar is extremely complex and will take some time. However, delivery has been prioritised by the Government and this year’s increased capital allocation for defence includes funding to progress the development of a primary radar capability. The Government is totally committed to resourcing radar capability.

As I have previously stated, it is the Government’s consistent approach that we do not comment on national security but policies are conducted with full respect for Irish sovereign decision-making authority and for Ireland’s policy of military neutrality. They are also fully in accordance with Irish and international law. It should be noted that the issues involved are the subject of a current High Court case.

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