Military Aircraft Landings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2013

Tuesday, 10 December 2013

Questions (369)

Clare Daly

Question:

369. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 727 of 5 November 2013 in which he stated that An Garda Síochána has no role in relation to the inspection of foreign State or military aircraft, which in accordance with international law enjoy sovereign immunity, and further to Parliamentary Question No. 514 of 19 November 2013 in which he stated the Garda does, of course, have powers in relation to aircraft which are not subject to immunity, both of which questions pertained to military aircraft, if he will explain which military aircraft are covered by sovereign immunity and which are not. [52899/13]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

In my previous reply I pointed out that sovereign immunity is recognised as applying in respect of foreign state or military aircraft. Commercial aircraft, including chartered aircraft carrying military personnel, are not regarded as military aircraft and the Gardai do of course have powers, such as search and entry, in relation to aircraft which are not subject to immunity.

However, these powers may only be exercised where a member of An Garda Síochána reasonably suspects that an offence has or is being committed.

As previously indicated to the Deputy, An Garda Síochána has fully investigated a number of allegations of unlawful activity at Irish airports and files have been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions in some of these cases, although no prosecutions have been directed. In other cases no evidence to support the allegations was disclosed.