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

There is some capability within the Defence Forces regarding drone technology. It is not all about warfare either; it is about many practical applications, for example, where they can come to the aid of the civil power, assist State agencies and utilities and perform drug interdiction. There are many positive utilisations. We have observer status on an Italian-led permanent structured co-operation, PESCO, project on counter-unmanned aerial systems, CUAS, the objectives of which are to define the criteria for the development of advanced and efficient CUAS systems, both for fixed sites as well as with on-the-move capability. Member states with observer status on PESCO projects have no voting rights and cannot influence the direction of projects but it allows member states to gain knowledge on what the project expects to achieve and what is required from the member states. That is another useful example of the value of being in PESCO - to see how others use drone technology, for example. We can get a first-hand view of that. The working group will give due attention to this; it must be planned properly. Suffice it to say, the Deputy is correct - drone technology is here to stay.

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