Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

173. To ask the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces have purchased or intend to purchase any drone aircraft for surveillance purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39967/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Defence Forces currently operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System, commonly referred to as UAVs. Following a tender competition, an order for two portable mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems and associated spare parts and training was placed with Aeronautics Defence Systems Limited in May 2007. The UAV systems were acquired to enhance the capability of the Defence Forces to carry out surveillance and target acquisition for Peace Support Operations and provide low cost, low risk means to increase capabilities and enhance force protection by performing missions which do not demand the use of manned aircraft.