Vol. 421 No. 1
57 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the arrangements, if any, which have been agreed with the United Kingdom authorities for aircraft overflights of our national territory; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Arrangements for overflights of the State by foreign military aircraft, including from the United Kingdom, are governed by the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952. This provides, inter alia, that no foreign military aircraft shall fly over the State save on the express invitation or with the express permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. It is also provided, in relation to requests for permission to overfly the State, that the Minister may impose such conditions as he considers appropriate.
In the case of Northern Ireland there are long-standing arrangements for aircraft from one jurisdiction to fly, with permission and subject to strict conditions, for a short distance into the other jurisdiction to help in dealing with specific incidents or suspect explosive devices.
