Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
302. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 406 of 10 November 2020, if the same conditions are applied to the granting of permits for overflights by US military aircraft and military aircraft from all other countries; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43369/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraA number of countries have applied for and been granted annual blanket clearance for military overflights and landings in Ireland. Under these arrangements, the Embassy of the country concerned submits a notification of each proposed flight to my Department. My Department then notifies relevant Departments and Agencies.
Specific arrangements for US overflights were established in 1959. Overflights of 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 these overflights and the types of aircraft involved.
If a proposed military overflight does not meet these criteria, blanket clearance does not apply and advance permission must be sought. Furthermore these arrangements apply only to overflights by unarmed US military aircraft. They do not apply to landings.
