Taoiseach 'not surprised' drones were used in attempt to disrupt Zelenskyy's Irish visit

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan says drones spotted near Zelenskyy’s flight path were part of coordinated threats to EU and Ukrainian interests

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives at Dublin Airport for his visit to Ireland. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

The Taoiseach has said it is “not a surprise” that drones were used in an attempt to disrupt the visit of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, highlighting a growing pattern of similar incidents across Europe.

Speaking on Monday, Micheál Martin said: “In many ways, it’s not a surprise because a pattern has been emerging for quite some time. 

"The European Union is very clear that the security landscape has changed dramatically since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and there’s more and more reckless behaviour happening in respect of Russia.” 

He added he would soon receive a report on the drone incident, with a meeting of the National Security Council scheduled shortly. 

Mr Martin also emphasised cooperation with the EU and the UK on threats including drones and cyber-attacks, saying: “These are very serious events and that demonstrates, it seems to us, a new form of recklessness and reckless behaviour by Russia.” 

He declined to speculate on direct responsibility while the review is ongoing.

'Pressure'

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the drones, spotted near Mr Zelenskyy’s flight path last Monday, were deployed to put “pressure” on European and Ukrainian interests.

Mr O’Callaghan stated the drones were not flown by a “back garden drone enthusiast,” but declined to specify whether he believes their use was a State-sponsored act.

“It’s not just an issue in respect of Ireland, but throughout the European Union, there are issues in respect of greater threats being exposed as a result of drone technology,” Mr O’Callaghan said.

“Obviously I get a lot of information from An Garda Síochána in respect of issues concerning our security, but I think it’s fair to say that we think this is part of a coordinated threat to EU and Ukrainian interests.” 

Five drones were spotted near Mr Zelenskyy’s flight path last Monday, as he arrived in Ireland for his brief visit.

Speaking in Brussels, Mr O’Callaghan said the visit by Mr Zelenskyy last week had been a success, adding that an investigation is now ongoing.

“I know that the Gardaí have very good anti-drone technology and we’re going to be spending more in terms of defence, just in terms of seeking to combat drone technology.” 

He said more funds would be spent on this anti-drone technology ahead of Ireland’s Presidency of the EU in the second half of next year.

The comments come as the chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Defence and National Security, Rose Conway Walsh, has called for the Department of Defence to answer questions on the incident.

"We're already having a battle about the remit of the committee but if there was ever an example of why we need oversight, this is it,” Ms Conway Walsh said.

"Will be calling an emergency meeting of the committee this week. The Department of Defence will have to come in.

"I'm taking this seriously and I would be surprised if others weren't. We have the EU Presidency next year and we are not getting the answers back to ensure us that things are in place."