Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 5

Written Answers. - Airspace Security.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

150 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to an incident involving a near collision between a jet fighter and the Holyhead to Dublin ferry on the afternoon of 22 November 2002; if so, the airforce which was involved; if a complaint has been made to the relevant authorities regarding this reckless manoeuvre; the reason the ship's captain was not informed; if he was, the reason he did not inform his passengers and crew; and the steps he is taking to ensure that no incidents of this type will occur in the future. [26299/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

With regard to this matter, officials from my Department have consulted a number of other Departments and agencies including the Departments of Defence, Transport, Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, the Irish Coastguard and the Irish Aviation Authority. There have been no reports of any such incident to which the Deputy has referred. I have asked that questions be raised with the appropriate British authorities by the Irish Embassy in London and with the British side of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Secretariat in Belfast to determine whether the British Government can throw any light on the matter. I will contact the Deputy directly as soon as I am in receipt of any further relevant information.