249. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for a National Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52584/26]

My Department has responsibility for civil aviation and safety is the top priority in this area. All airports in the State with commercial traffic are required to have procedures in place to deal with the safety risk posed by illegal unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) activity. The procedures are developed in accordance with guidance on managing UAS safety risk issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and are monitored, exercised and risk assessed on an ongoing basis.

The deployment of counter UAS measures more broadly is a matter for policing and defence and not a matter for the Department of Transport. I am aware that An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces have secured counter UAS technology. My Department's primary engagement on this issue with the relevant bodies in that area is to ensure that those measures are deployed in a way that does not pose a safety risk to civil aviation.

I have no plans to develop a National Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Strategy.