Vol. 467 No. 4
319 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence whether the Irish Air Corps will accompany United States Aircraft at all times in view of the warnings to aviators that aircraft flying into temporarily restricted areas during the visit of the United States Aircraft Carrier, JF Kennedy, will be intercepted; the persons who will intercept intruders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13284/96]
Aviation matters relating to the visit of the USS John F. Kennedy and to planned displays and fly-pasts by US military aircraft at various locations within the State have been the subject of discussion between the US Embassy, the Irish Aviation Authority and the Air Corps.
Arrangements have been made for liaison between the Air Corps and the ship to ensure the co-ordination of US military aircraft movements in a manner that will obviate conflict between those aircraft and civil and other military aircraft within Irish airspace.
While Air Corps aircraft will not accompany US aircraft during the visit, an Air Corps air traffic controller will be present on the aircraft carrier for the duration of the visit, for co-ordination and liaison purposes. This will ensure compliance with national air traffic control procedures by US aircraft.
