Vol. 472 No. 5
35 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the incursion into the Republic by two British Army helicopters on Monday, 2 December 1996, between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.; and if he will make a statement on the matter, dealing particularly with the question of whether consent was given to allow these low flying helicopters to cross into the Republic. [23630/96]
I can confirm that the British helicopters to which the Deputy refers were authorised, through the normal diplomatic channels, to enter our airspace and land at Casement Aerodrome. The aircraft in question were two Royal Air Force Wessex helicopters based at Aldergrove in Northern Ireland. They were on a routine search and rescue training visit. One of these helicopters was also authorised to land at Shannon on 3 December 1996.
The Deputy will be aware that there is close search and rescue co-operation, to mutual benefit, between the Irish and British authorities. The flights in question formed part of a reciprocal programme between the Irish Air Corps and the Royal Air Force.
Following reports that these two helicopters were observed flying at low altitude en route to Casement Aerodrome on 2 December 1996, the matter was raised with the British Embassy by my Department. The British authorities have expressed regret that, due to the prevailing weather and climatic conditions, the helicopters flew at an altitude over land lower than expected. They have provided assurances that steps will be taken to ensure that such low flying will not recur.
I am sure that the Deputy will agree with me that it is in the interests of all the peoples of these islands that close search and rescue co-operation be maintained between the relevant Irish and British authorities.
