Military Aircraft Landings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2015

Thursday, 17 December 2015

Questions (20)

Clare Daly

Question:

20. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made representations to the Embassy of the United States of America with regard to the connection between that nation's military use of Shannon Airport and Ireland being described as part of a coalition of evil in a purported ISIS video; if he has expressed concerns to the ambassador regarding the implications of continued United States military use of Shannon Airport for Ireland's security; and if he will reconsider such military use of Shannon Airport in view of its deleterious effect on both Irish neutrality and the security of Irish citizens. [45469/15]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I have not made representations to the US Embassy on this subject.

Permission must be sought in advance for landings by all foreign military aircraft, including US aircraft, at Irish airports and if granted, is subject to strict conditions which I have outlined many times in this House. Successive Governments have made landing facilities at Shannon available to the US for well over 50 years. These arrangements do not amount to any form of military alliance with the US and the application of conditions ensures compatibility with our neutrality.

Issues relating to national security are a matter for the Minister for Justice and Equality. The Minister has stated that while a terrorist attack on Ireland is possible, it is not likely, and that there is no specific information in relation to any threat to Ireland.

The Irish flag is one of 60 flags that appear in the video to which the Deputy refers. The basis on which flags appear, including those of Ireland and other neutral states, is not explained by the makers of the video and it is not possible to draw conclusions in this regard.