Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

65. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will outline his engagements in respect to new proposals for a ‘drone wall’ on the EU’s borders to detect, jam or possibly shoot down drones that cross into the territories of member states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53918/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In advance of, and following the publication of the EU's White Paper for European Defence – Readiness 2030, my officials and I have engaged constructively in discussions on enhancing Europe’s defence readiness.

As a continuation of these discussions, the informal European Council on 1 October discussed various matters including the recent violations of air space of Member States and the identification of two flagship projects to deliver under the Roadmap – a 'European Drone Wall', and, an 'Eastern Flank Watch'.

While the European Commission has not yet issued any definitive proposal to Member States in relation to the development of a ‘European Drone Wall’, once any proposal is made, Ireland, like other Member States, will consider such a proposal in line with its national priorities.

The Tánaiste has made it clear that Ireland is committed to maximising both national and international security through bilateral and multilateral engagements with key strategic partners, including the EU. Just last week, the Tánaiste reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to achieving Level of Ambition 2 and has acknowledged that we need to increase our capabilities further and that 2026 will see a significant step in that direction.

The development of primary radar capability is a major project on which good progress is being made as part of the Military Radar Programme. The Programme also includes development of Counter-UAS (drone) capabilities. Recent increases in Defence funding will support the rollout of this Programme and will ensure that Ireland can maintain a complete Recognised Air Picture. Elements of this capability will be rolled out in phases, starting in 2026, towards full delivery by the end of 2028.

My Department will continue to monitor developments in relation to the 'European Drone Wall' Flagship Project and will assess how developments in this regard align with our own capability development, in particular the ongoing Military Radar Programme.

Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

66. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans to address Russian-affiliated 'shadow fleet' vessels passing through Ireland’s maritime Exclusive Economic Zone and being used to help Russia circumvent sanctions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53919/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to advise the Deputy that I am aware of the threat posed by the shadow fleet to critical maritime infrastructure and to the maritime environment from potential pollution incidents. From a defence perspective, the Defence Forces routinely monitor foreign vessels transiting Irish waters with both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft, as well as remote monitoring on a 24/7 basis from the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline.

Officials in my Department, along with officials in other Departments, are exploring opportunities to engage with international efforts to meet the challenges posed by the shadow fleet. These discussions include working on effective legal solutions in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the application of sanctions, increased scrutiny of the activities of these ships and information sharing between maritime authorities.