Naval Service Operations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2015

Tuesday, 24 March 2015

Questions (418)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

418. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Defence in view of recent reports that the Naval Service is working with a company (details supplied) in County Cork on developing compatible drone technology in order to extend the service's operational deployment reach in fishery protection and drug and criminal interdiction at sea, if he will confirm that these reports are correct; and the formal arrangements in place for this technology co-operation. [12156/15]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

The Defence Forces are continuously seeking new and innovative ways of maintaining and developing defence and security capabilities in order to provide the best value for money and affordable defence and in that context the Naval Service is involved in a strategic partnership with the Irish Maritime Energy Cluster (IMERC) in Ringaskiddy and the NMCI/Halpin Centre for Research and Innovation.

The Naval Service has supported the research and development of products with commercial entities, including with Skytec, through the IMERC/NMCI/Halpin institutions. Products have been trialled and utilised by the Naval Service in an exploratory capacity where they could have the potential to contribute to Defence Forces capability development.