Military Aircraft

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2023

Thursday, 7 December 2023

Questions (175)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

175. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Transport if his Department approved the transport of US soldiers, weapons or munitions on aircraft (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54355/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Deputy Jack Chambers)

Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory is prohibited, unless an exemption to do so is granted by the Minister for Transport.

For the nine particular aircraft operations detailed by the Deputy, seven applied for, and were granted, an exemption to permit the carriage of munitions of war.

Two operations, N819AX and N828AX overflights of Irish sovereign territory on 1 December, did not apply for an exemption as these were ferry/positioning flights that did not carry munitions of war and as such no exemption was required.