Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
454. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 385 and 386 of 28 July 2020, the scheme or regulatory structure under which the US military aircraft are conducted through Irish airspace en route to and upon departure from Shannon airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21242/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe relevant legislation is the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952, which stipulates that foreign military aircraft may only overfly or land in the State with the express permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and shall comply with the Minister's stipulations.
Diplomatic clearance for military aircraft to land at Irish airports, including Shannon Airport, is granted subject to strict conditions. These conditions routinely include stipulations that the aircraft in question is unarmed, carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it must not engage in intelligence gathering and does not form part of any military operation or exercise. These procedures apply to all foreign military aircraft, including US military aircraft.
