Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2024
182. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if officials from his Department acted on information (details supplied) to prevent the transit of weapons through Irish airspace in violation of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45381/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra212. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport to confirm the dates and times his Department received alerts from a website (details supplied). [44634/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra213. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he passed on details of a site (details supplied). [44635/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 182, 212 and 213 together.
On four occasions between 23 October and 1 November this year the news site referenced, sent a communication to me via email and to a range of other Government colleagues and Government bodies, in relation to flights that would be entering Irish sovereign airspace.
The emails referred to a specific air operator alleging the carriage of munitions of war with a reference to the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
On receipt of the first of these notifications, my Department communicated with the air operator directly to ascertain precisely what cargo was being carried.
As a result of the communication between my Department and the air operator, they provided the requested detail and indicated that they are fully informed of the requirements of Irish law concerning the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory.
The Department understands that the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) relates to US export and temporary import of defence articles and services which contain a very broad range of items.
However, it is the Irish legislation which is relevant in relation to whether an exemption is required from the Minister for Transport and not the fact that the item is classified under the US ITAR.
