The Minister for Justice has said neither the Government nor gardaí know who was responsible for flying drones near Dublin during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last December.
In response to concerns raised by sergeants and inspectors in relation to policing the forthcoming EU presidency, Jim O'Callaghan said he was confident gardaí have the appropriate technology, personnel and skills for this "huge policing task", and he said all necessary resources would be provided.
He was speaking at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) annual conference in Westport, Co Mayo.
An investigation was launched after unidentified drones were flown near Dublin during President Zelensky's visit last December, but Minister O'Callaghan said they still do not know who was responsible.
He also said he was confident that gardaí can deal with potential security threats, and an additional €125m has been allocated to policing the EU presidency.
The minister said gardaí have been supplied with new technology, and he promised that all necessary resources will be made available for this "huge policing task".
The association had raised concerns about the pressure the EU Presidency will put on garda resources, saying there will be "unprecedented pressure" from July to December and warning that "crime will not stop" while gardaí are "already stretched".
They are seeking assurances from the Government and garda management that the organisation has the capacity to meet these demands without impacting day-to-day policing.
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They also say the housing crisis is having an impact on gardaí with an increasing number relying on Housing Assistance Payments because of the difficulties they face in securing accommodation, which has also made it more difficult to retain staff.
The AGSI has called on the Government to examine the reintroduction of housing supports to ensure members can live and work in the communities they serve.
It said historic practices when An Garda Síochána provided accommodation to its members and gardaí lived in stations should be examined.
The association also wants all new garda recruits to be fully vetted prior to commencing their training in Templemore and the road traffic legislation amended to allow a sample to be taken from a suspected intoxicated driver within five hours of driving rather than within the current three-hour limit.
Separately, in response to a question as to why Martina and Ammi Burke had still not been detained four weeks after the High Court had ordered their arrest, Minister O'Callaghan said there were plenty of people wanted on warrants.
He said gardaí had to prioritise cases and he was not going to direct the Commissioner on what warrants to execute.
