British-Irish Co-operation

Thursday, 30 September 2021

Questions (209)

John Brady

Question:

209. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the exact nature of the alleged agreement between the Irish and British Governments in relation to the patrol of Irish airspace by the RAF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34829/21]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

Under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign aircraft seeking to overfly Irish sovereign airspace or land in the State must request the permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Specific criteria in relation to the granting of such permission have been put in place by successive Governments. These criteria include that the aircraft be unarmed and carry no arms, ammunition or explosives. In addition, such craft must not form any part of a military operation or exercise.

As I have previously stated in my response to similar Parliamentary Questions, I cannot comment on reports concerning arrangements for national security. I can confirm however that the Government’s engagement in international security cooperation is aimed at ensuring public safety and is conducted with full respect for Irish sovereign decision-making authority and for Ireland’s long-standing policy of military neutrality.