Mr. Niall Burgess:

Senator O'Keeffe's first question relates to the numbers of requests received from the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The number we received last year was slightly in excess of 700. That was less than in 2012, and less again than in 2011. The number has been going down steadily since 2011. The figures we have so far for this year indicate that the number will probably be lower again this year.

On the arrangements for both overflights and landings for military flights, the arrangements vary according to the state of origin. Approximately 30 countries have blanket clearance. That is given usually on a reciprocal basis. Generally, those countries send in their notification in advance of the flight overflying or landing, and they would be notified in return only where permission to land is refused, and generally that would be in circumstances where the flight is carrying dangerous goods. They are required to give specific information. Even military flights are regulated. They are required to supply specific information before landing or overflying.

There are specific arrangements in place with the United States. US overflights and landings are handled under arrangements which were set out under an exchange of letters between the then Minister for Foreign Affairs and the US ambassador in 1959. That arrangement permits overflights without prior notification on the basis that the aircraft are unarmed, they carry only cargo and passengers, and they comply with any relevant navigational requirements.