Senator calls for emergency meeting after drones spotted during Zelensky's visit

Ottoline Spearman

A senator is calling for an emergency Defence and National Security Committee meeting, after a number of drones were spotted in the air during the Ukrainian President's arrival in Dublin.

Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell said the committee is not taken seriously, and the incident has caused national embarrassment.

The drones were physically seen by the Irish Navy, as Ireland does not have the proper radar to detect them.

Mr Craughwell said that the lack of investment in defence is making Ireland Europe's weak spot.

Speaking on Newstalk, he said: "We are the open back door of Europe. We talk about the massive increase in defence spending. Our defence spending is 1.49 billion, which is about 0.23 per cent of GDP. Most states in Europe are now spending between 3 and 5 per cent of GDP.

"If we cannot defend our people, if we cannot stand as a proud, independent, sovereign state in Europe, what exactly are we?"

Gardaí are investigating the presence of drones over Ireland during Zelensky’s visit, where he gave a historic address to a joint sitting of the Oireachtas and met with Government figures and President Catherine Connolly.