Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 November 2016
27. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he will consider the use of Shannon airport by the military of the United States of America to be a breach of military neutrality and other policies under the defence portfolio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33815/16]
View answerThe Government’s 2015 review of foreign policy and the Defence White Paper reconfirmed that Ireland will continue to maintain its traditional policy of military neutrality which means non-membership of military alliances and non-participation in common or mutual defence arrangements. Ireland's policy of military neutrality was formed in an era when inter-State conflict was the key issue of national security for most States. The State’s policy of remaining outside of military alliances has remained in place ever since. Thankfully, the threat of inter-State war in Europe is much diminished, but there will continue to be new and emerging threats in the defence and security environment. However, Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality should not be confused with isolationism. We may refrain from membership of military alliances but we are committed to international peace and security and our Defence Forces have stood robustly for this in many peacekeeping missions.
The issue of overflights by foreign military aircraft and the use of Shannon by foreign military aircraft are the responsibility of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. However, the Deputy will be aware that successive Governments have made overflight and landing facilities available at Shannon Airport to the United States for well over 50 years. These arrangements do not amount to any form of military alliance with the US and are governed by strict conditions, applied to ensure compatibility with our traditional policy of military neutrality.
Finally, it goes without saying that all our policy responses must realistically reflect current and future security challenges and should be able to accommodate the necessary responses, both national and collective without prejudice to our policy of military neutrality.
