Privacy fears over Garda purchase of 11 drones for training ahead of digital recording bill

An Garda Síochána has purchased nine 'task-specific capable drones' for evaluation and training purposes, with two more drones procured by the Garda National Technical Bureau, also for training.

Gardaí have purchased 11 drones ahead of a new bill which will permit their use in operations, a move which has sparked privacy concerns.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed that the force has now acquired nine “task-specific capable drones” for evaluation and training purposes, while a further two drones have been procured by the Garda National Technical Bureau, also for training purposes.