Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 September 2015
31. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide details of any discussions he has had with the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Justice and Equality and-or Defence in relation to the system of oversight regarding the landing at Shannon Airport of civil aircraft used by foreign militaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31812/15]
View answerThe Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, S.I. 224 1973, as amended, provides that no munitions or weapons of war may be carried by an aircraft in Irish airspace without an exemption granted under the Order.
The Order applies to civil aircraft. Where such a civil aircraft is being used to carry munitions or weapons of war the airline is required to apply for such an exemption under the order.
For all such applications my Department seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to foreign policy issues and the Department of Justice in relation to security issues. If the munitions involved are also classified as 'dangerous goods' the views of the Irish Aviation Authority are sought in relation to aviation safety issues. Should any of these bodies object, an exemption will generally not be granted. A copy of the application is also sent to the Department of Defence for information.
In addition my Department would be in contact with these Departments from time to time in relation to policy and administration matters related to the 1973 Order.
Most recently my Department liaised with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to the petition before the Oireachtas Petitions Committee regarding the use of Shannon Airport and Irish airspace by the US military. Both I and the Minister for Foreign Affairs addressed hearings of the Committee earlier this year and outlined clearly our respective roles in relation to the matter.
