I propose to take Questions Nos. 315 to 317, inclusive, and 321 together.
A request for the aircraft carrying the President of the United States, George W. Bush, to land at Shannon Airport was applied for several days in advance by the US embassy and permission was granted in accordance with the normal procedures. It is entirely normal and appropriate to extend such courtesies to visiting Heads of State and other dignitaries. President Bush's meeting with US military personnel at the airport appears to have been a spontaneous act. Such personnel were in transit as part of a multinational force authorised by the United Nations Security Council.