The programme for Government commits to a policy framework for drones to guide high-level strategic planning and development, supporting innovation and addressing other concerns. While that is necessary, it omits a fundamental issue: the impact of commercial drone operations on local communities. Some say there are no regulations at all, which is not true, but it is air and ground risk-based, with model specifications for safety, privacy and noise. We are severely lacking in common-sense rules and regulation for when a commercial entity, including fast food operators, is making 300 deliveries a day over a 3 km radius, relentlessly over a local community, and there will be more. On 21 May I asked the Oireachtas transport committee to meet with stakeholders before the summer recess. That will happen. I am asking that the framework is also published before the summer recess to look at drone traffic management with limits on flight paths and noise, known in the EU already as U-space, and to launch a public awareness campaign about people's rights in this area.

I think we will need a regulatory framework governing drones. We have to have a common-sense approach to the use of drones. Did the Deputy refer to 300 food deliveries?

Yes, and more coming - up to a million in a year.

We have to examine all of that because that potentially clearly leads to significant congestion, security issues, safety issues, noise issues, amenity issues and the need for physical activity. There might be certain cases where people need such a service or it could be effective if you are infirm or elderly. I can understand that. The Deputy has raised a lot of issues. We need a policy framework governing this and ultimately there will have to be a regulatory framework. It cannot be the Wild West.