As the Deputy is aware, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic clearance is only provided where the strict conditions set out by my Department are fully met, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.
This policy is well known and is fully understood by the United States and other international partners, and is done in full compliance with Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.
As I confirmed to the Deputy in response to Parliamentary Question No 132 of 16 April 2024, I am satisfied that the correct diplomatic clearance procedure for foreign military landings with respect to the aircraft in question, was followed in full.
Permission for this aircraft to land in Shannon was sought and granted for the purpose of transporting a senior official delegation travelling from the US to the Middle East.
As I have stated previously, no airport in Ireland, or Irish sovereign airspace, is being used to transport weapons to the conflict in the Middle East, or any other war.
