Military Aircraft Landings

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 February 2017

Wednesday, 8 February 2017

Ceisteanna (60)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

60. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason an aircraft (details supplied) that passed through Shannon Airport on 17 January 2017 and again on 18 January 2017 changed its call sign from civilian to military; if it was contracted to the US military; if there were troops on board on either occasion; the reason the plane switched call sign on the next leg of its journey after Shannon, from Athens to Qatar; his views on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6031/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

The airline operating the two flights referred to by the Deputy applied for an exemption under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973. My Department carried out the standard consultation procedure in relation to the applications and exemptions were granted for both flights. These exemptions were for the personal weapons of the troops on board.

Call signs are a matter for the airline concerned.