asked the Minister for External Affairs whether any aircraft with a nuclear capacity at present use Irish airspace; and whether there is a special agreement with any Government permitting such overflying.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Irish Airspace.
2.
Article 35 of the International Convention on Civil Aviation lays down that no munitions of war or implements of war may be carried in or above the territory of a State except by permission of such State.
We have no agreement with any Government permitting the overflying of Irish territory by either military or civil aircraft carrying nuclear weapons.
Arising out of that reply, while we may assume that most countries, including the USA, will honour their undertakings in that agreement, I wonder could the Minister tell us if the USSR have signed the agreement? If they have, is he entirely satisfied that they habitually observe it?
It is a complete international agreement. I am sure they have signed it.
The second part of the question is peculiarly relevant.
I take it they observe it.
I am glad the Minister amended the word "sure" to "I take it".
That is more definite.