On 1 June 1989 my Department applied the Shanwick communications charge to military traffic. This charge is applied to oceanic flights in the North Atlantic Region using the communications service provided by Ballygireen Aeronautical Radio Station, Co. Clare. Military authorities involved resisted the charge on the grounds that military aircraft were state aircraft and thus exempt under international aviation law. Irish state or military aircraft are similarly exempt from charges of other national administrations. The charges proved to be uncollectable.
Based on advice provided by the Attorney-General, Department of Finandce sanction was sought and received for the cessation of military charges with effect from 1 May 1991 and the write-off of all amounts due on that date.