Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026: From the Seanad
Dail Éireann — 2026-07-15
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Jim O'Callaghan (FF), Dublin Bay South

These amendments relate to the authority of An Garda Síochána to deploy radio frequency jammers to counteract drones. I am advised that these legislative amendments are necessary to confirm that An Garda Síochána has the legal powers where necessary and proportionate to deal with dangerous or hostile drone activity through the use of what are called “radio frequency jammers”.
Amendments Nos. 3 and 4 are technical in nature and simply deal with references to the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926 and the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024.
Amendment No. 5 amends section 3(6) of the 1926 Act to ensure that the general prohibition on the possession of wireless telegraphy apparatus without a licence from ComReg does not apply to a radio frequency jammer kept by An Garda Síochána for the purpose of working or using it in accordance with the proposed new sections 12(1B) and 12B(1B) of the 1926 Act.
Amendments No. 7 and 8 are consequential in nature. At present, sections 12 and 12B of the 1926 Act provide for offences and monetary penalties for the use of wireless telegraphy apparatus to interfere with other such apparatus which would at present apply to An Garda Síochána if it used this equipment.
Amendment No. 87 amends the Long Title of the Bill to reference the amendments to the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1926.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-07-15/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-14T01:01:08+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-15