Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004
417 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport if US planes with air marshals are using Irish airspace and landing in Dublin, Cork or Limerick; if so, the number of such planes in 2002, 2003 and 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5716/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe deployment of air marshals on any US aircraft is a matter in the first instance for the US security authorities. It is not the practice on security grounds to disclose the existence or otherwise of air marshals on any aircraft that may use an airport in the State. In common with other states, the Irish position concerning the acceptance of in-flight security personnel on foreign aircraft arriving at Irish airports has been a willingness to permit such operations subject to appropriate protocols and procedures being agreed in advance with the State of the carrier concerned.
