Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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105. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the details of guidelines or policies governing the use of automated weapons systems and robotics by the Defence Forces; and if no such guidelines or policies exist, the reason therefore. [29002/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of Aid to the Civil Power which, in practice, means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so.

The Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams operate an explosive ordnance disposal robotic platform whilst performing Aid To Civil Power tasks to render harmless Improvised Explosive Devices or other suspect packages. These robots are security sensitive equipment and are deployed by the Ordnance Corps of the Defence Forces both at home and on overseas operations. They are vital tools in the identification and destruction of improvised explosive devices in a manner that is both effective and safe to the operators and the public.

The robot is a self-propelled mobile platform hosting an array of electro-mechanical tools to enable the operator examine the device and render same harmless by way of controlled detonations of varying magnitude. Although some of the functions can be automated and preprogrammed the robot remains at all times under the direct and complete control of the EOD operator. The use of the robot enables this important task to be conducted remotely thereby considerably reducing the risks to the EOD team and the public.

I am assured by the Military Authorities that the deployment and operational use of this platform is governed by strict operational rules and protocols, details of these are security sensitive.