Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
204. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport his role in the oversight in the stop-off of any military personnel or equipment at Irish ports or airports; if any such stop-off has included personnel or equipment on route to Israel or Palestine since 7 October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54616/23]
View answerUnder 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.
These orders relate to the carriage of munitions of war and do not impose any requirement on air operators regarding the transportation of military personnel.
Since 7 October this year, no applications have been received or exemptions granted to permit the entry, into Irish sovereign territory, of civil aircraft carrying munitions of war to a point in Israel or the occupied Palestinian territory.
Safe transport by sea of packaged goods is covered by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. This covers stowage and segregation for safety on-board and the protection of the marine environment. The exact definition of an item to be carried depends on its UN Number and there may be special provisions under the IMDG Code for its safe transportation.
The IMDG Code is not concerned with permissioning or facilitation of transport, its only function is for safe transportation. As such, my Department has no role in facilitating or approval of munitions through Irish ports.
Additionally, my Department does not hold information on the next point of arrival for vessels leaving Irish ports, as there is no obligation on them to provide this information.
The entry of foreign military uniformed personnel, aircraft, and vessels into Irish sovereign territory is the responsibility of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
