Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
21. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his role in authorising the transit of military aircraft through Irish airspace, including the use of airports/fields; the role he has with regard to whether such aircraft may carry munitions; the actions taken to ensure that any stipulations in relation to such transit are complied with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37451/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952 gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland and in Irish airspace.
Ireland requires diplomatic clearance for all landings in Ireland and overflights in Irish sovereign airspace by foreign state and military aircrafts. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, with full respect for Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.
These conditions include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form part of military exercises or operations.
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 overflights and the types of aircraft involved.
