Emergency Planning

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2016

Tuesday, 25 October 2016

Ceisteanna (340)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

340. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the consultations engaged in by his Department with the Irish Aviation Authority, the RAF, the British Civil Aviation Authority, the British Ministry for Defence and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding permission being given to the British military to conduct armed operations in Irish sovereign or Irish-controlled airspace in the event of a real time or envisaged threat of a terrorist-related attack from the skies on either this country or a neighbouring state; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27138/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

I cannot comment on matters relating to national security or responses that might be taken in the event of a terrorist attack. I can however confirm that the Government's engagement in international security co-operation is aimed at ensuring public safety and is conducted with full respect for Irish sovereign decision-making authority and for Ireland's long standing policy of military neutrality.