Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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14. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the measures that are being taken to increase security around Dublin Airport, specifically with regard to drone technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10260/23]

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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My question relates to the use of drones in the vicinity of Dublin Airport.

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister and I are actively engaging with the DAA and other relevant State agencies on the recent incidents of illegal drone activity at Dublin Airport and on potential measures to deter any future activity of this nature. We received briefings from relevant bodies after both the St. Brigid's weekend incidents and the most recent incident on 21 February. We will continue to support the relevant authorities in investigating these incidents and, where appropriate, pursuing prosecutions. Through cross-government engagement, we will strengthen our ability to deal with such incidents, including working at pace on the potential deployment of enhanced technological solutions.

Dublin Airport has a drone detection system in place that gives early warning of illegal drone activity. Information gathered by this system is being used to pursue enforcement activity, including prosecution. Cases relating to illegal drone use at Dublin Airport are currently before the courts. Many of the counter-drone measures available are used primarily in the military realm and are not readily available or compatible with civil aviation operations. However, commercially available counter-drone systems are being actively examined. While a range of systems is available at present, there is no 100% effective technological solution when it comes to counter-drone measures. There are risks associated with destroying a drone and also issues with the use of radio and signal jamming equipment at an airport. Such risks have to be considered in deploying counter-drone technology, in consultation with the Irish Aviation Authority.

The Department is engaging with other relevant Departments to discuss issues relating to the deployment of counter-drone technology at Dublin Airport, including any legal and regulatory issues arising. The DAA is exploring commercially available counter-drone solutions used at airports in other jurisdictions with the support of relevant State agencies. I have directed that this work be progressed urgently.

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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As a representative of Swords and the airport, I believe it is unconscionable that people continue to do this. It is bizarre that they choose to put people's lives at risk, no matter how inconsequential they believe their activities are. I understand 14 flights were diverted at one particular point in February. The type of behaviour we see warrants prosecution and I welcome the fact that an individual is before the courts.

The Minister of State mentioned that these particular drone-jamming devices potentially interfere with air traffic control and the operation of aircraft but they are common. This is a little like the approach we have taken to a range of issues, such as building standards. We seem to believe we are unique and, therefore, we need to reinvent the wheel to try to resolve the issue. In fact, it is not that complicated. I fully appreciate there are concerns but I would be very pleased if the Minister would indicate whether there is a legislative resolution to the issue of jamming technology. I understand it may not be lawful in this jurisdiction.

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank Deputy Farrell. As I have said, notwithstanding concerns, we are looking to progress urgently the commercially available counter-drone solutions at airports. We are also looking at other jurisdictions, as the Deputy stated. Alongside this we need to ensure there is appropriate engagement in a legal and regulatory context. This work is accelerating quickly. We acknowledge it is important to respond to the risks have been apparent in recent weeks and the great inconvenience that drones caused many passengers and airlines. We are looking to advance this as quickly as possible. When we reach a point of having a recommendation on a commercially available counter-drone solution we will have an update on the legal and regulatory context and whether there is a requirement to amend the position we are in. That will be assessed with colleagues in the Irish Aviation Authority and An Garda Síochána.

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State. I appreciate there is a process. I suggest that if there is a requirement for regulatory or legislative change, the Minister of State should seriously consider the fines and-or sentencing this category of activity warrants. I am certainly be of the view that somebody wantonly endangering the lives of innocent passengers and crew should face a custodial sentence and not just a slap on the wrist. It is imperative that the House sends a very strong message that this sort of behaviour is completely intolerable.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I fully and strongly support the sentiments expressed by my colleague. This is a serious safety issue that could have a very serious impact on traffic through the airport as well as a commercial impact. It could be taken up in other areas throughout the country. It could cause serious incidents that would involve millions with regard to repatriation and compensation. I am not so sure that we are taking it seriously enough. I hope the Minister of State will confirm we are doing so.

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I assure Deputy Durkan that this is being taken very seriously and urgent action is being taken. A number of meetings and engagements have taken place on the potential purchasing of counter-drone technology.

In response to the issue of criminal enforcement, significant penalties are available, including sentences up to life imprisonment. This is a very serious sanction. The Deputies are correct. Someone recklessly flying a drone that hits the cockpit or enters a jet engine could take down an aircraft. It could have very serious consequences for anyone flying a drone in the exclusion zone of 5 km around an airfield. This is why prosecutions are important and why there is a strong criminal sanction.

On the separate question of whether we need to update the legal and regulatory context for the purchasing of counter-drone technology, this matter is under assessment. It may require legislation. We will be able to update the House on this when we have feedback from our colleagues in the Irish Aviation Authority and An Garda Síochána.