30. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has been consulted or engaged with regard to the development of civilian or commercial drone policies. [46114/26]

The National Policy Framework for Unmanned Aircraft Systems was approved by Government and published in August 2025. The Policy Framework aims to guide high-level strategic planning and development of the UAS sector in Ireland, through supporting growth and innovation, while ensuring safe and secure operations and managing environmental and other concerns.  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.

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 importance of ongoing collaboration and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.

The National UAS Policy Framework Monitoring Group was established earlier this year to support and monitor the overall progress of the implementation of the Policy Framework. Its membership comprises representatives of key stakeholders from relevant Government Departments and agencies involved in leading and supporting implementation of Policy Framework actions. Implementation of the Policy Framework will be tracked and reported on through a series of annual action plans and progress reports.

Following its meeting in February this year, the Monitoring Group agreed the Implementation Action Plan for 2026 which sets out tasks and timelines for 2026 associated with the implementation of actions set out in the Policy Framework. The Implementation Plan is available on the Government's website.