Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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123. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to publish a drone policy for Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42187/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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My Department is in the process of developing an overarching national policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The aim of the policy framework is to set out the vision, strategy, and priorities for the development of the UAS sector in Ireland. The framework will guide high-level strategic planning and development of the UAS sector over the short to medium term with the aim of supporting growth and innovation in the UAS sector while managing safety, security, environmental and other aspects. This will set out a roadmap for future activity, in response to the EU regulatory requirements and to the rapidly growing drone market, dealing with aviation aspects and broader whole-of-government aspects.

A steering group to oversee the work was established in July. Membership of the steering group is drawn from primary stakeholders from relevant Government Departments and agencies to facilitate the development of a comprehensive and integrated policy. Public consultation on a draft policy framework is planned for Spring of 2022, with the aim of publishing the finalised policy framework later in 2022.