Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
42. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason four US military aircraft landed at Shannon Airport on 6 January 2025 (details supplied); if steps were taken to investigate whether they were in full compliance with Government restrictions given that the US military is actively involved in supporting wars in Ukraine and in the Middle East; and the reason for these breaches of Irish neutrality. [1079/25]
View answerSuccessive governments have made landing facilities available at a number of Irish airports to the United States and other foreign militaries for well over 50 years. Arrangements for foreign military aircraft to land in Irish airports are governed by strict conditions, including stipulations that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.
It is the long-standing policy of the Department of Foreign Affairs not to disclose details relating to these requests, as such information is provided by Embassies in the expectation of the maintenance of confidentiality. However, with respect to the aircraft in question, I am satisfied that the correct diplomatic clearance procedure for foreign military landings were followed in full.
As I have outlined on various occasions, Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality is fully consistent with foreign military and state aircrafts being allowed to enter Irish sovereign territory under certain circumstances. Ireland’s policy of military neutrality, as pursued by successive Governments, is characterised by non-membership of military alliances and non-participation in common or mutual defence arrangements. There are no plans to alter this policy at this time.
