Question on unmanned aerial vehicle systems

QUESTION NO: 14

To ask the Minister for Defence the locations to which Defence Forces’ unmanned aerial vehicle systems have been deployed operationally in the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Deputy Thomas Pringle.
For ORAL answer on Wednesday, 6th November, 2013.

Ref No: 46645/13 Lottery: 9 Proof: 9
REPLY

The Defence Forces Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have not been used operationally on overseas missions since April 2010.
The initial deployment by the Defence Forces of UAVs was with the EU-led mission to Chad and the Central African Republic (EUFOR Chad/RCA). This mission commenced in February 2008. The deployment of Defence Forces UAVs with MINURCAT, the UN follow on mission continued until the withdrawal of the Irish battalion in April 2010.
The UAVs used by the Defence Forces are an information-gathering asset. They provide a low cost and low risk means to increase surveillance capabilities and intelligence gathering. They also provide a forward observation and surveillance capacity of potential threats for deployed units on overseas Peace Support Operations, thus enhancing force protection. It should be stressed that the UAV’s used by the Defence Forces are unarmed.

ALANALAN SHATTER, T.D.
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE

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