Defence Forces Investigations.

Wednesday, 28 September 2005

Ceisteanna (1212)

Ruairí Quinn

Ceist:

1315 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the proportion of aircraft with a declared origin or destination of Andrews Air Force Base, Washington DC, which landed in the State during each of 2004 and 2005 to date and which were examined by the Defence Forces to ensure that they complied with their obligations on declaration of the persons and cargo being carried, especially in regard to the transportation of weapons, munitions and explosives, categorised by airport landed at in the State and by final destination of the aircraft; if the Defence Forces intends to make any such investigations during the remainder of 2005; if he intends to instruct the Defence Forces in any manner regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24932/05]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence (Mr. O’Dea)

Responsibility for the approval of overflights and landings by foreign military aircraft lies with my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs. For civil aircraft the responsibility lies with my colleague the Minister for Transport.

In the case of US military and/or chartered civilian aircraft transporting military cargo, the US Embassy submits applications to the Department of Foreign Affairs confirming that the aircraft seeking landing permission will comply with the relevant operative criteria. I understand from my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform that the Garda Síochána is notified in advance of the arrival of all such landings, and that, while such aircraft are not routinely inspected, the Garda Síochána conducts a full investigation in any case where a credible complaint of activity is made, to include where appropriate an inspection of the aircraft in question.

The Defence Forces have no role in examining or investigating foreign military aircraft permitted to land in the State and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further on the matter.