Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 2

Written Answers. - Over Flight and Refuelling Facilities.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

128 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with the US Secretary of State, Mr. Colin Powell; and if terms or conditions were imposed on the offer he made to the United States on over flights and the use of the Irish airports for refuelling. [23723/01]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

146 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement regarding the offer of facilities here, including airports and transit through Irish airspace, to the US Government following the 11 September 2001 bombings in the US. [22229/01]

John Gormley

Question:

148 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of requests for foreign military overflights which have been made to his Department each week from September 2001 to date; the number which have been granted; if he will give comparable figures for use of airports here by military aircraft or civilian aircraft transporting military personnel and equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23833/01]

Joe Higgins

Question:

155 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the United States Government requested the Government to facilitate the United States military by making Irish air space and airports available to the American military in the coming weeks. [22153/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 146, 148 and 155 together.

Security Council Resolution 1368 of 12 September, which is binding on all members of the United Nations, calls on all states to work together urgently to bring to justice the perpetrators, organisers, and sponsors of the terrorist attacks of 11 September and stresses that those responsible for aiding, supporting or harbouring the perpetrators, organisers and sponsors of those acts will be held accountable.

In offering over flight and refueling facilities to states whose forces are engaged in bringing to justice those who carried out or assisted in the dreadful attacks on the United States and are seeking to prevent further such attacks, Ireland is living up to its responsibilities under Council Resolution 1368, as now reinforced by Resolution 1373 of 28 September.

Ireland's offer is situated as part of the multi-faceted international response being pursued to the present crisis. This will involve efforts to bring to justice those behind the attacks on the US, co-operation in efforts in UN and EU frameworks to combat international terrorism, and determined efforts to address the conflicts and injustices on which terrorism preys.

As regards the information on flights requested by Deputy Gormley, this is being compiled as a matter of urgency and will be communicated as soon as possible to the Deputy.

I took the opportunity during my meeting on 26 September with US Secretary of State Mr. Colin Powell, to formally convey the Irish Government's offer of overflight and landing facilities. The US had not requested the use of such facilities. Secretary Powell expressed his appreciation for Ireland's solidarity and support.