The assessment of the threat posed to Ireland by international terrorism is a matter for An Garda Síochána. The current assessment of the threat level from international terrorism is that although an attack on Ireland is possible it is considered unlikely. I keep the Government informed on a regular basis on security matters on the basis of the routine briefings I receive from the Garda Commissioner.
In relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, the comments of the Tánaiste were not based on a specific assessment of any sort provided. Rather the Tánaiste was making the absolutely reasonable point to the Deputy that Ireland is a militarily neutral state and that our Defence Forces pursue the State's long-standing involvement in peace-keeping and conflict prevention abroad. The Tánaiste also corrected the Deputy's fanciful assertion that Shannon Airport is a US military base and cautioned him to exercise some moderation in his use of language in order to ensure that such an incorrect impression would not create harm to Irish interests.
The arrangements under which permission is granted for foreign military aircraft to land at Irish airports are governed by strict conditions. These include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations.
