John O'Mahony (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have just returned from a meeting of the Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport at which representatives of the Irish Aviation Authority gave a presentation on the issue of drones near airports. It was clear from the debate that the legislation is only catching up with the development taking place in this area and is way behind what is necessary. We all know there is massive potential for good and that most owners of drones are law abiding, but we are also aware of the havoc caused at Gatwick Airport last December. There was an incident in Dublin Airport last February, and in an incident that took place in Dubai, the cost to the airport and the economy of flights delayed was $86,000 per minute of disruption.

There is an urgent need to fast-track legislation and for greater enforcement and greater penalties to be imposed on those who use drones in a negative and sometimes criminal way. Will the Leader invite the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to the House at a convenient time to discuss this and outline the process that must be put in place? It might have only started but it is clear from the discussion this morning that it must be done. Doing nothing or not doing it fast enough is not an option.