Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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217. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána uses robotic drones to aid policing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31708/18]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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218. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the purchase of drones to aid policing has been costed; if so, the estimated costs of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31709/18]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 218 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is statutorily responsible for the allocation and management of Garda resources in the State and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that An Garda Síochána do not currently use drones to aid policing.  It is understood, however, that a working group within An Garda Síochána is examining the matter.

Estimated costs for the purchase or use of drones are not available at this time.  I am informed by the Garda authorities that if in future there is a decision in relation to the use of drones to aid policing, a business case will be developed by An Garda Síochána setting out the operational justification for the purchase and the total costs involved, i.e. the purchase costs in addition to maintenance and support costs.