The review of the 1973 Order seeks to identify the options available for updating various aspects of the Order. It is examining the Statutory Instrument primarily from an administrative and legal perspective. There is no proposal to change the long-standing Government policy of permitting civil aircraft used by the defence forces of various nations to transit through Irish airspace and airports, subject to appropriate terms and conditions.
The other main Government bodies with an interest in the review are the Department of Foreign Affairs, in relation to foreign policy matters, and the Irish Aviation Authority, in relation to aviation safety and the carriage of dangerous goods by air. Both those bodies have now been consulted as part of the review.
While my Department had hoped to conclude the review by now, this has been delayed primarily due to other conflicting priorities, in particular work related to aviation and Brexit. However, the review should be concluded shortly.