Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2004
80 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he was notified in advance, or if permission was sought, for the US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld to address US troops en route to the war in Iraq at Shannon Airport; if such permission was given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9483/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraPermission for the aircraft carrying US Secretary for Defence Rumsfeld to land at Shannon airport was granted in accordance with the normal procedures. As regards his meeting with and speaking to US military personnel in transit at the airport, this appears to have been a spontaneous act, and the question of advance knowledge did not, therefore, arise.
