Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.

From an aviation safety perspective, the regulation of drone operations, including commercial drone delivery operations, is provided for by an EU regulatory framework that is directly applicable in Ireland.

Two regulations, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, set out common rules for the regulation of drones and drone operators, including training, licensing and registration.

• Regulation 2019/947 sets operational rules that apply to both professional drone operators and those flying drones for leisure.
• Regulation 2019/945 sets the common EU-wide technical requirements for drones, the features and capabilities that drones must have in order to be flown safely. This regulation also seeks to foster investment and innovation in this sector, through a harmonised framework across the European Union.

The aim of the EU drone regulations is to achieve the same level of safety for drone operations as in manned aviation. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the civil aviation regulator, oversees the implementation and enforcement of the EU drone regulations and standards.

Commercial drone delivery services are covered by the EU drone regulations. Such operations are closely regulated and fall into the medium risk “specific” category, which requires specific authorisation by a civil aviation authority, the IAA in Ireland. To obtain an operational authorisation, an operator must provide a comprehensive safety portfolio which includes assessing and addressing both ground and air risks with appropriate mitigations.

In line with Article 18 of Reg (EU) 2019/947 the IAA has developed a Risk-Based Oversight system which includes audits and inspections of Operators, Remote Pilots, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Secondly, through investigations the IAA also examines all reported incidents of non-compliance.

In the cases of noncompliance, the IAA has different situation-specific recourse methods:

• Following an audit a non-compliance report may be issued. The operator / remote pilot must then provide a root cause analysis, corrective action plan to close the non-compliance, and target date, all to be agreed with the Authority.
• Suspension or revocation of certificates, licenses, and / or authorisations following audit or investigation.
• Prosecution following audit or investigation.

Members of the public should report safety concerns using the European Aviation Safety Reporting Portal. More information is on reporting is available on the IAA website at .

The rapid pace of drone innovation and commercialisation has created challenges. While there is a comprehensive regulatory framework in place from an aviation safety perspective to regulate drone operations, there are areas where the rapid pace of expansion of drone operations has resulted in gaps and uncertainty.

The expansion of drone delivery services is an area where clarity is required in relation to roles and responsibilities and cooperation and engagement with stakeholders and appropriate authorities.

I recently launched the National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The Policy Framework seeks to identify and address any policy, regulatory or legislative gaps that may have arisen due to increased expansion of drone operations.

Many of the issues addressed by the Policy Framework fall directly within the remit of my department, while other issues will cross-over into areas of responsibility of other Government Departments and agencies. A collaborative approach was taken in developing the Policy Framework through public consultation and extensive stakeholder and cross-government engagement. The Policy Framework aims to facilitate consideration of how matters such as planning and environmental issues will be addressed by the appropriate authorities. It proposes a number of structures and actions that aim to address concerns in relation to increasing drone usage and operations in balance with the realisation of the economic and societal benefits from the emerging drone sector. This will include ensuring that appropriate authorities have the required regulatory powers and that they have mechanisms in place to ensure that the views of all stakeholders are taken into account.

Implementation of the Policy Framework relies on cross-government structures and the continuation of engagement and support from various government departments, agencies, the UAS sector and the public. The Policy Framework recognises the important role local authorities have in the development and roll out of drone operations in their communities. The policy framework also recognises the importance of ongoing collaboration and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.

Implementation of the Policy Framework relies on cross-government structures and the continuation of engagement and support from various government departments, agencies, the UAS sector and the public. My department will move shortly to establish the overall implementation monitoring group and is developing the first of the annual implementation plans provided for in the Policy Framework.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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From an aviation safety perspective, the regulation of both the recreational and commercial use of unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones, is provided for under European Union regulations that are directly applicable in Ireland.

Two regulations, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, set out common rules for the regulation of drones and drone operators, including training, licensing and registration.

• Regulation 2019/947 sets operational rules that apply to both professional drone operators and those flying drones for leisure.
• Regulation 2019/945 sets the common EU-wide technical requirements for drones, the features and capabilities that drones must have in order to be flown safely. This regulation also seeks to foster investment and innovation in this sector, through a harmonised framework across the European Union.

The aim of the EU UAS regulations is to achieve the same level of safety for UAS operations as in manned aviation. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), the civil aviation regulator, oversees the implementation and enforcement of the EU drone regulations and standards.

While the focus of the EU UAS Regulations is mainly on safe and secure UAS operations, Article 15 of Regulation 2019/947 does provide for the establishment of UAS geographical zones for the purposes of protecting privacy and addressing environmental concerns as well as to minimise safety risks and addressing security issues.

UAS geographical zones are portions of airspace where drone operations are facilitated, restricted, or excluded. The IAA has established UAS Geographical Zones to address safety and security risks. To establish UAS geographical zones in respect of privacy and environmental protection, the IAA requires the input from relevant agencies, local authorities and government departments.

The Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems that I recently published proposes a number of structures and actions that aim to address concerns in relation to increasing UAS usage and operations in balance with the realisation of the economic and societal benefits from the emerging drone sector. It aims to facilitate consideration of how matters such as planning and environmental issues will be addressed by the appropriate authorities. This will include ensuring that appropriate authorities have the required regulatory powers and that they have mechanisms in place to ensure that the views of all stakeholders are taken into account.

The Policy Framework commits to the establishment of a National Working Group on UAS Geographical Zones to develop transparent processes and procedures for the designation of UAS Geographical Zones, the safe management of the integration of UAS into our airspace and the impact on society and the environment. My department is engaging with the IAA in relation to the establishment of the working group and its terms of reference.