Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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195. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the current capabilities of the Defence Forces to monitor or intercept hostile aircraft in Irish airspace; if there are proposals to improve or expand on that capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22474/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Air Corps is not currently equipped to monitor and communicate with aircraft overflying Irish airspace, military or otherwise and irrespective of whether the transponder is switched on or not. However, on a routine basis the Air Corps monitors and communicates with foreign military aircraft where such aircraft are flying in the airspace in the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, where air traffic control is provided by the Defence Forces.

AirNav Ireland (formerly part of the IAA) exercises Air Traffic Control responsibilities for both sovereign airspace and also airspace over the high seas, largely off the western seaboard. All air traffic, both civil and military, is monitored and controlled by AirNav Ireland in respect of this airspace and in line with ICAO rules it is normal practice for them to be informed by the relevant State of any military flights operating in Irish controlled airspace.

The 8 strong fleet of Pilatus PC-9 aircraft currently operated by the Air Corps provide a very limited air to air and air to ground intercept capacity.

The development of a primary radar capability was one of the recommendations made in the report of the Commission of the Defence Forces last year. In response to that, a project team, comprising senior civil and military personnel, has commenced work on planning for military radar capabilities. This includes ground based, maritime and primary radar systems.

Delivery of primary radar is extremely complex and will take some time to deliver. However, delivery has been prioritised by Government and this year’s increased capital allocation for Defence includes funding to explore the development of a primary radar capability.