asked the Minister for External Affairs if his attention has been directed to Press reports that two United States Army Air Force officers are now giving instructions by way of sealed orders to civilian air line pilots leaving Shannon for the United States for the purpose of the defence of the United States; and, if so, if he will state (a) if he was consulted before these officers took up duty at Shannon Airport; (b) if they are there with his approval; (c) how long they will be at Shannon and (d) if their presence involves Ireland in any non-neutral commitments in the event of war.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Instructions to Civilian Air Line Pilots.
I have seen the report to which the Deputy refers.
The two United States officers in question are at Shannon Airport for the purpose of briefing pilots of commercial transatlantic flights on certain methods for the identification of aircraft entering the United States during a test period which began a few weeks ago and which will last for some weeks longer.
Before the arrival of the two officers in Ireland the United States authorities sought and were granted the necessary sanction. Their accommodation at Shannon Airport is not only a reasonable facility to make available to the United States authorities but it also facilitates the air companies from many parts of Europe who wish to use Shannon as a last port of call en route to America.
In answer to the last part of the Deputy's question I may add that the presence of these officers in no way involves Ireland in any non-neutral commitments in the event of war.