Paul Donnelly
Question:429. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Justice if there any plans for the use of drones in the following and apprehension of illegally driven scramblers in parks and estates. [4308/24]
View answerTuesday, 30 January 2024
Questions (429)
Written answers
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including all operational policing matters like the use of equipment such as drones. As Minister, I have no role in these independent functions and am unable to direct the Commissioner in any operational decisions.
However, to be of assistance I sought the information requested by the Deputy from An Garda Síochána and have been advised that there is, at present, no Garda policy or plan to utilise drones to follow or apprehend illegally driven scramblers in parks and public areas.
For the Deputy's information, the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) is a national resource based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co. Dublin. The unit is under the direction and control of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime, and the operational control of Detective Chief Superintendent, Operational Support Services. The unit provides a 24-hour proactive and reactive service in support of operational Gardaí on the ground and specialist units.
GASU is currently undertaking ongoing trials with a number of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones) and there is an internal Garda working group tasked with examining the wider potential and scope to use drones to assist in various policing operations. The working group is chaired by Superintendent, Operational Support Services under the direction of Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime.
I am informed that 21 drones have been procured by GASU for evaluation, training and possible future operational use in the Garda Air Support Unit. 10 members attached to GASU have received formal training in drone operations and the relevant regulations regarding drone flights.
Legislation currently limits the operational use of drones by An Garda Síochána, however, the Deputy will be aware that the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 will provide a legal basis for the use of recording devices on drones by Gardaí on commencement of the Act, subject to a code of practice.
Separately, I am advised that An Garda Síochána is awaiting additional regulations to be created and signed by the Minister for Transport, as per section 35(a) of the Road Traffic Act 1994, to restrict certain types of vehicles from defined areas of public recreation. This will include, for example, the restriction of the use of motorcycles/scramblers/quads in areas such as public beaches and Coillte Forests.