Shannon Airport Facilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Questions (378)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

378. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a United States of America military aircraft (details supplied) was authorised to carry munitions or other military equipment or armed United States soldiers through Shannon Airport on 30 January 2022 on its way to the Middle East; if searches or an investigation were carried out to establish if the aircraft was in compliance with Government restrictions for such aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6348/22]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs

The landing in question was by a US military aircraft, with five crew and no passengers on board. It had sought and received prior diplomatic clearance to land subject to our routine stipulations, including that it did not carry arms or ammunition. The US authorities have confirmed that this condition was met.

Sovereign immunity, a long-standing principle of customary international law, means that a State may not exercise its jurisdiction in respect of another State or its property, including State or military aircraft. This principle applies automatically to foreign State or military aircraft in the same way that it applies to Irish State or military aircraft abroad.