I propose to take Questions Nos. 1585, 1609 and 1627 together.
Civil aircraft are not normally required to notify or seek permission for overflights of Ireland or for technical stops at Irish airports. The aircraft referred to made such a technical stop at Shannon on 30 December for refuelling purposes. The airline did not notify or seek permission from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to this flight.
The carriage of munitions on board an aircraft in Irish airspace does require a permit under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973 if munitions of war are on board.
Ireland's procedures in relation to such flights, including in relation to munitions, are outlined in detail in a standard international civil aviation document known as the Integrated Aeronautical Information Package, which is published on the Irish Aviation Authority's website.
The Department has contacted the airline to remind it of these requirements and to enquire as to the circumstances surrounding the flight on 30 December. I have also requested my officials to liaise with the Department of Foreign Affairs on what further actions might be taken to ensure US airlines on charter to the US military comply fully with Irish regulations.