Vol. 554 No. 5
463 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the arrangements which have been agreed with the US Government to facilitate the use of Shannon Airport for the transfer of troops and equipment to the Middle East; if the approval of Dáil Éireann has been given for the current level of activity; if it has been agreed by the Government; the limits which have been set; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17093/02]
496 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a formal agreement has been made with the US Government for the use of Shannon Airport for the transfer of troops and equipment to the Middle East; the details of such an agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17084/02]
501 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the facilities afforded at Shannon Airport to the United States Air Force or other sections of the United States military. [17204/02]
502 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government intends to allow the United States Air Force or other sections of the United States military, to use Shannon Airport in the event of an attack on Iraq. [17239/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 463, 496, 501 and 502 together.
Permission for foreign military aircraft to overfly or land in the State is granted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952. Permission is normally granted on the basis of confirmation that the aircraft is unarmed, does not carry arms, ammunition or explosives and does not form part of a military exercise or operation. US military aircraft meeting these conditions have been granted permission to refuel at Shannon Airport over a period of decades.
In addition, and on an exceptional basis, a decision was taken to waive the normal conditions for the granting of permission for overflight and landing in respect of military aircraft operating pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1368, adopted on 12 September 2001.
It has also been the practice, going back many years, for commercial charter aircraft carrying US servicemen between the US and bases overseas to land and refuel at Shannon. Such flights do not require special permission and are subject to the requirements of civil aviation regulations.
No arrangements have been agreed with the US Government to facilitate the use of Shannon Airport for the transfer of troops and equipment to the Middle East. Any request for such agreement would be considered in light of the position of the UN Security Council.
