Not in this case.

With the rapid advancement of commercial drone technology, Ireland is witnessing increasing interest from companies seeking to launch drone delivery services. I note in particular a proposed operation in Dundrum which has generated significant public attention and raised questions about the adequacy of our current regulatory framework. Given concerns around safety, privacy, noise and the integration of drones into the suburban environment, I ask the Taoiseach to outline the steps being taken to ensure robust regulation of commercial drone delivery services. Specifically, I ask him to confirm if there are any plans to update existing legislation or introduce new measures to address the unique risks and opportunities posed by such operations. How will local communities such as those in Dundrum be engaged and protected as these technologies are rolled out?

My understanding is that the Minister for Transport, Deputy O'Brien, is finalising work on a draft policy framework for unmanned aircraft systems. He expects to publish it in the summer and will seek to identify and address any public, regulatory or legislative gaps. There is a comprehensive EU legislative framework in place to regulate safe drone operations that is directly applicable in Ireland. These regulations cover both recreational and commercial use, including commercial drone delivery services. 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, which is the civil aviation regulator, oversees the implementation of the EU drone regulations and standards. In addition to complying with the EU drone regulations, drone operators must also comply with national laws, including environmental, planning and privacy laws. While there is a comprehensive regulatory framework in place, I am not so sure everybody knows that and perhaps that is something a Dáil committee could interrogate a bit more. There are areas where the rapid pace of expansion of drone operations has resulted in gaps and uncertainty - hence the development of a policy framework.