I propose to take Questions Nos. 740, 743 and 748 to 750, inclusive, together.
In my reply to Question No. 448 of 10 March 2015 I provided details regarding the landing of a US military aircraft at Shannon Airport on 28 February.
I confirmed that assurances had been provided that the aircraft complied with the strict conditions applying to foreign military aircraft granted permission to overfly or land at Irish airports, including the condition that the aircraft was unarmed. These assurances were provided in relation to the initial request for permission to land and were subsequently re-confirmed by the United States Embassy in relation to the landing on 28 February. Issues relating to the landing have been raised with the Embassy by officials in my Department.
My Department was informed that this aircraft had declared an emergency on landing; the procedures which are put in place at Shannon Airport in response to such notifications are a matter for the aviation authorities which are under the remit of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. My Department has not received any information from An Garda Síochána in relation to the aircraft; questions relating to Garda matters should be directed to the Minister for Justice and Equality.