The primary purpose of national aviation policy is to provide sustainable, safe, secure and efficient air transport services in accordance with Irish and international civil aviation law and policy. The Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended, implements in Irish law the provisions of the Chicago Convention in relation to dangerous goods and munitions. These provisions are primarily aimed at ensuring the safety of aircraft and those on board.
There is a well established procedure for considering applications from airlines for permits under the Order.
My Department seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to foreign policy issues, the Department of Justice in relation to security issues and the Irish Aviation Authority in relation to any aviation safety issues. Following this consultation a decision is made on the application. In so far as the Chilcot Report may raise issues in relation to foreign policy, this would be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
