asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will investigate reports that super Galaxy transport planes capable of carrying cruise missiles are travelling through Irish airspace; if so, if they are doing so with the approval of the Irish authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Irish Controlled Airspace.
61.
Military aircraft, including C-5 Galaxy aircraft, are regularly given permission to transit Irish-controlled airspace. Permission is given for each overflight in advance and only on the basis of a written undertaking that the aircraft concerned is unarmed and does not carry arms, ammunition, explosives or intelligence-gathering equipment.
I am satisfied that, on the basis of the assurances given through their embassies by the countries concerned, military aircraft travelling through Irish controlled airspace do not carry cruise missiles or any other weapons.