Military Aircraft Landings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2015

Wednesday, 11 February 2015

Ceisteanna (136)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

136. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in view of reports that the Government of the United States of America is evaluating the question of military aid to Ukraine, the steps he will take to ensure that no military aircraft of the United States of America landing at Shannon Airport or overflying our airspace are transporting lethal or non-lethal military equipment to the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6159/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I am aware of reports that the provision of military assistance to Ukraine is currently being evaluated by the United States government. Arrangements under which permission is granted for foreign military aircraft, including US military aircraft, to land at Irish airports or to overfly Irish airspace are governed by strict conditions. These include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations.

Requests to permit the landing or overflight of military aircraft are considered by my Department on the basis of the conditions outlined above.