Senior members of the Irish government have been briefed on drone presence in Irish skies on the night Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Ireland, BBC News NI understands.

Zelensky flew into Dublin late on Monday night for a one-day official visit with his wife, First Lady Olena Zelenksa.

The Irish Defence Forces said it had no comment on “the specifics of any alleged incidents”.

“Defence Forces support to the security operation, led by An Garda Síochána was successfully deployed in multiple means ultimately leading to a safe and successful visit by the President Zelensky to Ireland,” said a spokesperson.

In response to questions from journalists including the BBC, Ukraine’s presidential office said “the host country is responsible for security”.

“According to their information, there were indeed such drones, but this did not affect the visit and did not require any changes to it,” said its spokesperson.

It is understood the gardaí (Irish police) are not carrying out an investigation.

“In general and without commenting on any particular incident, any such incident occurring on Irish waters is a matter for the Defence Forces,” said a garda spokesperson.