asked the Taoiseach if, in view of the statement attributed by a daily newspaper to the U.S. Attaché in Dublin that two U.S. Air Force Superfortress aircraft came to Dublin at his invitation, he will state the normal procedure for securing permission for foreign military aircraft to land at Irish civil airports, and if this normal procedure was followed in this instance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Visit of American Airmen.
The normal procedure for securing the necessary permission, under regulation No. 75 (1) of the Air Navigation (General) Regulations, 1930, for foreign military aircraft to fly over or land in Ireland is for the diplomatic mission in Dublin of the country concerned to apply for the permission through the Department of External Affairs. The decision on the application is conveyed in due course to the mission through the same Department.
This normal procedure was duly followed in the particular instance referred to by the Deputy.
Can the Taoiseach give any reason why members of the American forces should pay what they term a courtesy visit to this country in atomic bomb-carrying planes?
Sheer friendliness to this country. They were welcomed by me and all my colleagues and by the people of Dublin, who flocked out to see them.
Does the Taoiseach——
Ceist a 2.