There are no plans at present for a change in policy in relation to the granting of munitions permits under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973. There is a well-established procedure for considering applications from airlines for permits to land aircraft in Ireland or overfly Ireland with munitions of war on board.
In relation to each application received, my Department seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to foreign policy issues, the Department of Justice in relation to security issues and the Irish Aviation Authority if the munitions are categorised as dangerous goods. Each application is also sent to Department of Defence for its information.
The primary purpose of national aviation policy is to provide sustainable, safe, secure and efficient air transport services in Ireland, in accordance with Irish and international civil aviation law and policy. The Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended, implements in Irish law the provisions of the Chicago Convention in relation to the carriage of dangerous goods and munitions on board civil aircraft. These provisions are primarily aimed at ensuring the safety of aircraft and those on board.
The foreign policy concerns mentioned by the Deputy would be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, whose Department is consulted on each application.
