I propose to take Questions Nos. 674 and 675 together. Regarding the former aircraft referred to by the Deputy, permission to land was sought in advance by the US Embassy from my Department. The US Embassy confirmed in writing that the purpose of the landing was refuelling, and that the flight was unarmed; carried no arms, ammunition or explosives; and was not engaged in intelligence-gathering and that the flight in question did not form part of a military exercise or operation and that the aircraft’s destination was Greece.
In relation to the latter aircraft referred to by the Deputy, permission to land was not sought in advance from my Department. The US Embassy explained that it was necessary for this aircraft to land at Shannon Airport due to adverse weather conditions. Later that day, the Embassy confirmed in writing that the flight was unarmed; carried no arms, ammunition or explosives; was not engaged in intelligence-gathering; and that the flight in question did not form part of a military exercise or operation. The Embassy also confirmed in writing that the purpose of the landing was crew rest and that the aircraft’s destination was Italy.
The Government views breaches of the procedures set down for the granting of permission for landings by foreign military aircraft with the utmost seriousness. The US Embassy has informed my Department that they will review their procedures to ensure that timely notification of requests for military aircraft to land in Irish territory is provided in all future instances. My officials will remain in contact with the US Embassy regarding this matter.
Details provided by diplomatic missions (including written confirmation that aircraft are unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives, and are not engaged in intelligence gathering or form part of military exercises or operations) are accepted in good faith as being accurate.
In accordance with international practice, foreign military aircraft which are granted permission to land in Ireland are not subject to inspection. Sovereign immunity, a long-standing principle of customary international law, means that a State may not exercise its jurisdiction in respect of another State or its property, including State or military aircraft.
