The patrol of our coasts and coastal waters is a mammoth task for the Defence Forces, customs, An Garda Síochána, the RNLI and the Coast Guard. I want to put on record my admiration for those involved in the seizing of the MV Matthew and the drugs haul that came with it. The work done by the Defence Forces, the RNLI and An Garda Síochána has borne great fruits for this country in stopping the drug shipment. The patrolling of this enormous exclusive economic area is a very difficult task. Is there a role for more economical means, such as the use of long-range sophisticated scout drones to patrol these waters? This would also save money and carbon emissions. It is an opportunity for us to patrol these waters more effectively and do so in a more economical way.

Deputy Ward is entirely correct. This is a very important issue and we have to start taking national security very seriously in this country. We need to see a step change in our investment in the capability of our Defence Forces. I am very proud of the work done by all parts of Óglaigh na hÉireann but just because we are militarily neutral does not mean we do not invest in defence. In fact, in many ways it means we are more required to invest in defence. I think we are going to see a step change in investment in defence and security over the lifetime of the Government. We are really committed to looking at how we can transform the Defence Forces into a modern, fit-for-purpose organisation to meet the challenges of today and the future. The specific issue Deputy Ward has raised is correct. There is a recommendation in the report of the commission on the future of the Defence Forces on using the development of what it calls Defence Forces RPAS, or remotely piloted aircraft systems. We will be looking to progress this as quickly as possible, depending on national development plan outcomes and other funding matters.