Military Aircraft Landings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 December 2015

Wednesday, 9 December 2015

Ceisteanna (154)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

154. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 863 of 3 November 2015, regarding the presence of 4 Hercules C-130s in Shannon Airport on 18 April 2015, wherein he stated that the purpose of the landings was crew rest, if the crew were resting, in between or during military operations; how this tallies with the condition on which such landings are granted permission, namely that they are not forming part of a military exercise or operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44359/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

In my reply of 3 November I stated that in requesting permission from my Department, the US Embassy indicated that the purpose of the landings was crew rest. My reply also set out the conditions which apply to landings by all foreign military aircraft, including that the flights in question must not form part of a military exercise or operation. I am satisfied that the US authorities are fully aware of the need to comply with these conditions.