Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
87. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Shannon Airport will now be used as a transit hub for military support coming from the USA to be used to assist Israel in its illegal campaign in Gaza, where a siege has been installed, with the civilian population denied water, electricity, food and fuel (details supplied). [45227/23]
View answerI have unreservedly condemned the attack by Hamas on Israel. I am also deeply concerned at the unfolding situation in Gaza. I have made it clear that, under international law, Israel has a right to defend itself from attack, but this must be done within the parameters of international humanitarian law.
In relation to the use of Shannon airport and the Deputy will be aware, Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality is not inconsistent with military aircraft of other states being allowed under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, to land in Ireland under certain circumstances. However, foreign military aircraft are only permitted to land in the State if they meet strict conditions, including that the aircraft is unarmed, and carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it is not engaged in intelligence gathering; and that it does not form part of a military operation or exercise.
Furthermore the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973 prohibits the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft, including on troop-carrying civil aviation operators, through Irish airspace or Irish airports, unless an exemption has been granted by the Minister for Transport. Statistics on such exemptions are published on the Department of Transport’s website.
