Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy O'Gorman. He has indeed raised this matter here before. I launched the National Policy Framework on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or drones, on 20 August 2025, making Ireland one of the first European Union member states to publish a dedicated policy in relation to drones. The policy framework aims to guide high-level strategic planning for, and the development of, the UAS sector in Ireland through supporting growth and innovation while, really importantly, ensuring safe and secure operations and managing environmental, community and other concerns.

Many of the issues addressed in the policy framework fall directly within my remit and that of the Department of Transport while other issues cross over into the areas of responsibility of other Departments and agencies. The policy framework was developed through cross-departmental engagement structures and will be implemented through similar structures. It proposes a number of structures and actions that aim to address concerns in relation to increasing UAS usage and operations in balance with the realisation of the economic and societal benefits from this emerging drone sector.

The policy framework proposes 16 actions in three main areas: the use of airspace and planning; compliance and enforcement; and enterprise and innovation. Implementation of the policy framework relies on a cross-governmental approach and the continuation of engagement and support from various Government Departments, agencies, the UAS sector itself and, really importantly, the public.

My Department will shortly be making arrangements for the establishment of a national UAS policy framework monitoring group and the associated working groups to be established under the framework. That monitoring group, which will be chaired by my Department, will monitor, guide and support the implementation of the policy framework and, really importantly, the delivery of actions.

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