asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will give further details of the agreement which permits Irish air space to be used frequently by British and other jets; the circumstances which led up to this agreement; and the date, and the precise terms permitting such use.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Irish Air Space.
5.
It is evident from the reply given on 5th December, 1967, about the use of Irish air space by foreign military aircraft that there is no general agreement of the kind referred to in the present question.
Only in the case of aircraft of Member States transporting personnel and supplies for the United Nations Forces has a general express permission been given for overflight and landing facilities. It was given in 1962 in response to a request by the Secretary-General and was made subject to advance notice being given and all normal operational procedures being followed. In the case of other foreign military aircraft express permission to use Irish air space is granted from time to time in response to individual requests from Governments conveyed through diplomatic channels provided always that it is clear that neither the security nor the safety of the State is thereby endangered. The terms of such express permissions are dependent upon the particular circumstances of each case as presented to us.
The Minister for Defence last week seemed to suggest that there was frequent use of Irish air space by foreign aircraft. I was interested to know how this could happen.
Many of the countries whose aircraft use our air space get general permission which lasts for six months. They furnish particulars of the reason for their landing, of the type of aircraft, and they give an assurance that these aircraft are not for war use and will not endanger our security.
Is the Taoiseach saying that we are contacted beforehand?
That is the arrangement. There is six months permission.
Permission is granted for six months and they may use our air space as frequently as they like in that period?
Not as frequently as they wish. They are allowed to use our air space for mercy missions and for scientific surveys and for purposes not associated with war. These aircraft are not usually armed.
Is it not correct that the RAF uses Irish air space frequently for training?
Is it not also true that the heavens are full of satellites flying from Russia to America and all over us and that there is nothing we can do about it?
I agree with Deputy Dillon about satellites but the suggestion that frequent permission is given to British aircraft to use our air space for training is not correct.
Then if they do not get permission, they use our air space all the same. I do not agree with Deputy Dillon's comments.
There would be a queer squeal from Deputy Dillon if Russia or China were sending up satellites.
They are doing it and we can do nothing about it.