Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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1099. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views regarding regulations on civilian use of drone technology in view of the growing usage of this technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41023/14]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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1100. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve enforcement of aviation regulations concerning the use of civilian drones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41025/14]

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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1101. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views regarding the privacy concerns from the increasing use of civilian drones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41027/14]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1099, 1100 and 1101 together.  

The questions refer to Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). There are many sectors where the use of new RPAS technologies can have benefits. However, it is acknowledged that the extensive range of potential applications of these technologies also raises issues about their impact on the safety and security of airspace users and people on the ground as well as on public privacy and the use of private data.

The increase in RPAS operations is not a phenomenon exclusive to Ireland; it is on a global scale and therefore it is appropriate that rules be developed internationally to regulate their operation and use. To this end, there has already been significant work undertaken at an EU level to lay a foundation for a harmonised approach for the regulation and the safe operation of RPAS across EU Member States. The European Commission has recently concluded a public consultation process concerning the future regulation of RPAS and public interest and privacy issues featured in this process. The results of this consultation process will inform the Commission's planned initiatives on the regulation of RPAS.

With regard to the safety aspect of RPAS operations, the Irish Aviation Authority, which has statutory responsibility for regulating safety standards in civil aviation in Ireland, published its policy and initial national legislation on the use of RPAS in Ireland in April 2012.  I have forwarded the Deputy's questions to the IAA for direct response in relation to the safety regulation of RPAS operations.  If the Deputy does not receive a response within 10 days, he should contact my office.