Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 May 2016
208. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 21 April 2016, the criteria he uses in assessing applications for permits to carry munitions through Irish airspace; if he seeks opinions for every permit; if not, the reason he seeks advice in some instances but not in others; and the grounds upon which he will refuse an application to carry munitions through Irish airspace. [11007/16]
View answerThe main purpose of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended, is ensuring the safety and security of aircraft and passengers. Airlines applying for exemptions under the Order to carry munitions must do so on a standard application form outlining all relevant details for the flight in question. Applications are requested at least 48 hours in advance of a flight to facilitate due consideration. For every application received the Department seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding foreign policy matters and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding security matters. The Department of Defence is copied with all applications for information. If the munitions involved are classified by the UN as dangerous goods, the views of the Irish Aviation Authority are also sought regarding aviation safety. The applications are then processed, taking account of these consultations. If these bodies raise objections an exemption is generally not granted and the airline is requested to reroute the flight outside of Irish airspace.
