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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 5

Written Answers - Foreign Military Aircraft.

Finian McGrath

Question:

228 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current situation in Shannon Airport regarding the refuelling of planes on their way to the Gulf. [4561/03]

The Deputy will be aware of my statement to the Dáil on 29 January, which set out clearly and comprehensively the arrangements regarding the refuelling of aircraft in Shannon Airport. The situation remains as set out in this statement. The arrangements for granting permission for foreign military aircraft to land are the same for all countries. Permission is granted under the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952, which prohibits foreign military from flying over or landing in the State, except by the express invitation or permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Permission is normally granted on condition that the aircraft is unarmed, not involved in intelligence gathering and not engaged in military exercises. Civilian aircraft carrying unarmed troops are treated as normal passenger freight and do not require special authorisation to land. Permission is required for wearing foreign military uniform in the State, however.

Under the terms of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended in 1989, civilian aircraft seeking to carry weapons or munitions require a specific exemption from the Minister for Transport from the prohibition that usually applies. The civilian carriers involved routinely request such exemptions from the Department of Transport to carry personal weapons and any other military cargo falling within the scope of the 1973 order. I have made it clear that the Government will review the current arrangements in the event of a UN decision to sanction military action against Iraq, or in the event of an action outside the UN framework by any country or group of countries.

Finian McGrath

Question:

229 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Government is breaching the Good Friday Agreement (details supplied) by assisting the US war planes at Shannon Airport. [6357/03]

I do not agree with the Deputy's contention. The Government remains totally committed to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and is showing full and practical respect for all its provisions. The Deputy is aware that all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement, including that to which he referred, are intended to bring true and lasting peace to the North and to establish a new beginning of harmonious relationships between North and South and among these islands. That peace was achieved at all is due in no small measure to the invaluable support provided by successive US Presidents and Administrations and the US Congress. The Government's approach to the implementation of the Agreement and to Ireland's broader international responsibilities has been entirely consistent. It is designed to optimise the prospects for lasting peace and stability on this island and at international level. The UN Secretary General, Mr. Annan, and the head of UNMOVIC, Dr. Blix, have confirmed that the pressure placed on Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi regime has had an impact. Weapons inspectors would not be back in Iraq without that pressure. In that context, and in acknowledgement of its international responsibilities, the Government has permitted the use of Shannon Airport as a refuelling point for US aircraft and service personnel.

Question No. 230 answered with Question No. 139.

Question No. 231 answered with Question No. 158.

Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 120.

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