Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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616. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report to Dáil Éireann on the public safety regulations he is implementing regarding the growing usage and popularity of drone aircraft and the impact of drones on the local environment and ecosystems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42467/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Aviation Authority has statutory responsibility under the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993 for the regulation of aviation safety standards for civil aviation in Ireland. This includes remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) or as they are more commonly known, Drones. The Irish Aviation Authority, which is responsible for the safety of airspace operators in Ireland, published its policy for regulation of the safe use of RPAS in Ireland in April 2012. There is already in place a regulatory process for licensing and training by the IAA in the area of RPAS.  I have also been informed by the IAA of its intention to introduce new regulations for the safe operation of drones very shortly. 

It is accepted both internationally and at an EU level that the deployment of RPAS pose new challenges, including those related to public safety, and that the increase in the use of RPAS by hobbyists and enthusiasts requires consideration of regulatory controls in this arena. Such wider public policy issues are in the process of being addressed both at an International and EU level.  My Department is committed under the National Aviation Policy 2015 to continue to contribute to the EU rule making and regulatory process concerning RPAS.