I thank Deputy O'Gorman for publishing this Bill and for the work that has gone into it. I have consistently argued for a balanced approach on this matter. I want to see innovation and the deployment of drone technology but I also want to see effective regulation and enforcement of that regulation. There are politicians in the area who just want an end to the drones. That is fine but I am not in that camp. I recognise the benefits and potential benefits of drone technology but I believe there must be practical and implementable safeguards for communities. I still believe that can be achieved. Communities, planning authorities and businesses should be engaged with to build an effective and workable regulatory framework. Enterprises, especially those with ambitious plans for global expansion, should be up for that. I welcome the publication of the national policy framework and want to see it prioritised and progressed. Making regulations and enforcing them is a matter for the Government. We have seen what happens when innovations, for example, e-scooters, come in without a robust regulatory framework and enforcement measures. The Government must do more. Innovating and operating responsibly in compliance with the law is a matter for business. I welcome the fact that a business operating in the community is continuing to innovate by investing in new propeller systems to address noise impacts. However, at the same time, it must also ensure it is fully compliant with all aspects of regulation and the law, which includes the local planning code. I support innovation and the development of a new regulatory framework. All businesses must comply with those rules in their operations. I note the Bill requires local authorities to prepare objectives for the management of drones. We all know that national policy and local policy need to be more joined up. I am not sure how this Bill addresses that gap. With regard to noise, I agree there needs to be a complaints mechanism but in order for that to happen, there needs to be agreement on appropriate noise levels for residential areas. Fingal County Council granted a temporary three-year trial at Blanchardstown shopping centre for a drone delivery service. The planning officer noted that the applicant stated that this was a trial period to examine whether the proposal would be acceptable. In reference to noise, the chief executive's order states that the temporary nature of the proposal will enable potential impacts to be monitored more fully. The fact that the trial is coming to an end should focus the minds of those who want to show that noise can be addressed with mechanisms to measure it. It should also focus the minds of those who want to ensure a balance can be found.

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