There are mounting calls on the Government to set up an operational task force — comprising gardaí, Defence Forces, and other agencies — to co-ordinate security preparations and operations for Ireland’s presidency of the EU, which begins in July. The delay is outlined in the latest Government detailed implementation plan on recommendations in the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report, published four years ago this month. The CoDF report had actually urged that the counter-drone technology be in place by the third quarter of 2025. Civil-military structuresIn addition, separate CoDF recommendations had called for the development of civil-military hybrid structures and military hybrid capabilities. Just as was done in December 2025.”He said close co-operation was needed for the presidency between key agencies, such as Gardai, the Defence Forces and the National Cyber Security Centre.

Source: Irish Examiner February 23, 2026 01:20 UTC