Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 May 1997

Vol. 479 No. 2

Written Answers. - Nigerian Aircraft Servicing.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

388 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications whether any federal Government of Nigeria planes have been serviced at Shannon airport since November 1995; if so, the relevant dates; whether General Sani Abacha's jet was serviced during this period; if so, whether the military personnel accompanied the aircraft during its stopover at Shannon; his view on whether facilitating Nigerian Government aircraft in this manner militates against the common position adopted by the EU on Nigeria; if he will give an assurance that no Irish company will henceforth be involved in servicing any equipment of the Nigerian military Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12654/97]

Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications (Mr. Dukes)

The Government fully complies with the restrictive measures against Nigeria adopted by the European Union in its Common Position of 20 November and 4 December 1995.

I am not aware that any of these measures have been breached by any Irish company. I am aware that Nigerian Government owned aircraft have flown into Shannon airport since November 1995. These flights have been for maintenance purposes only, have been civil registered aircraft, and crewed by non-military personnel. As such, these flights were not in contravention of the EU Common Postion.

I have consulted with my colleagues, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Minister for Tourism and Trade, who have similarly advised me that they are not aware of any breaches by any Irish company of the EU common position.