Telecommunications Infrastructure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 April 2016

Thursday, 14 April 2016

Ceisteanna (816)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

816. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is aware if the Hibernia Atlantic Cable Network Operations Centre has played a role at or from its base in Clonshaugh, Dublin 17 in piloting drones operated in the Middle East by the military of the United States of America; if he will request information on this from the operations centre in Clonshaugh; if permits for such activity have been sought and if he has issued such permits; if he has had talks or consultations with the US regarding such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6420/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

I have no role in determining the uses to which international fibre connections can be put, nor do I have any role in the monitoring, or permitting, of data traffic passing over fibre networks transiting the State. I have not had any talks or consultations with any entity about the use of any facility in this State or about the use of telecommunications infrastructure in the State for piloting drones.