Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2019
143. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the transit through Irish airspace was approved for two aircraft (details supplied) on 19 November 2019; if these NATO aircraft were carrying weapons or munitions; if they were engaged in or coming from or to military operations at the time. [48822/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952, made under the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1946, gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in and over Ireland.
Strict conditions apply to overflights by any and all foreign military aircraft through Irish sovereign airspace.
Overflights by US military aircraft are permitted without prior notification, on the basis that the aircraft are unarmed, carry only cargo and passengers and comply with navigational requirements. The US Embassy provides my Department with post hoc monthly returns on the total number of overflights and the types of aircraft involved. These US flights, which took place on 19 November, come under this arrangement and as such met these requirements.
