Air Navigation Orders

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 February 2015

Tuesday, 3 February 2015

Questions (140)

Mick Wallace

Question:

140. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details on his Department's role in the processing of exemptions for the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973; the arrangements between his Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in this regard; the number of such exemptions granted by his Department in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4348/15]

Written answers

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The carriage of weapons and munitions by civilian aircraft is prohibited under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973, as amended, unless an exemption has been obtained from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. My Department's role in the processing of exemptions is to examine and administer applications for exemptions and to issue exemptions to airlines where appropriate, taking account of aviation and other public policy considerations.    

As part of this procedure the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are sought in relation to foreign policy issues. The Department of Justice and Equality and the Irish Aviation Authority are also consulted.  A copy of each application is also sent to the Department of Defence for information. There were 606 exemption applications in 2014. 584 permits were issued, three were withdrawn and 19 were refused.