Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2004
46 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends bringing to the attention of US President George Bush during his visit here for the EU-US summit the ongoing protests from the Irish public at the use of facilities at Shannon Airport by the US military for operations in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18826/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU-US summit takes place at Dromoland Castle on 26 June 2004. The agenda for the meeting will include substantive and wide-ranging discussion on matters of mutual interest to the EU and the USA, including the situation in Iraq. With regard to the use of Shannon Airport by the USA, this is a long-standing practice which has been in place for several decades and spans a period which has seen a number of conflicts involving the USA. The Deputy will be aware that a resolution to continue to make the Shannon Airport facilities available was approved by the Dáil in March 2003. I am sure President Bush will be also briefed on the other views on this issue which are held here.
