John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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1307. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views regarding policing and the use of drone technology as an aid to police work. [58914/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is committed to building stronger, safer communities by strengthening An Garda Síochána, expanding resources, and modernising support to tackle crime. I meet regularly with the Garda Commissioner and remain open to exploring and considering how the Government can best support An Garda Síochána in keeping people safe.

The use of recording devices by An Garda Síochána, including those that are mounted on unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) is provided for under Part 2 of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2024. The legislative framework for use of drones is to be further supported by a Code of Practice which is to be prepared by An Garda Síochána.

There is undoubtedly a place for drone technology in modern policing and I am supportive of the steps being taken by An Garda Síochána to exploit that technology as an element of their overall work in keeping people safe.