Vol. 571 No. 2
184 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the implications which the failure to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq has for the statements to Dáil Éireann which relied on the existence of such to justify the use of Shannon Airport for military purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21062/03]
The authoritative statements of Government policy on this matter were provided to Dáil Éireann by the Taoiseach and by myself on 20 March 2003. This followed a Government decision, taken the previous day, to continue the provision of overflight and landing facilities to the US military during the conflict in Iraq. The Taoiseach's statement and my own statement clarified the reasoning behind the decision to Dáil Éireann. Neither statement indicated to the Dáil that the existence of weapons of mass destruction was the basis for the Government's decision in this regard.
As clearly stated by the Taoiseach on 20 March, the Government, in reaching its decision, took into account "the present circumstances, the principles that underline our foreign policy, our international relations and our broader national interests". The Taoiseach also made clear that the long standing nature of the arrangements with the US was a decisive factor. Ireland has been making overflight and landing facilities available to the US for over 50 years, a period which covered many crises and military confrontations. Landings or overflight facilities have never been withdrawn at any stage during that period.
My own statement reiterated the many factors underpinning the Government's decision. I referred to Ireland's deep and long enduring ties with the US and noted that to withdraw overflight and landing facilities at that time would have been a major departure from an established policy position. The decision to maintain existing arrangements was taken after lengthy reflection on the part of the Government and was subsequently endorsed by Dáil Éireann. I am satisfied that it was the right decision in the circumstances.
Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 138.
