Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the remarks of Deputy Mulherin, all of which are important in the context of our international affairs. We play a very important role with regard to conflict, for example, the continued and internationally respected participation by Irish personnel in UN peacekeeping, including in the Golan Heights at present with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. We have given 50 years of unbroken service. Recently UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, visited our acclaimed UN training school at the Curragh. That highlights the quality of our training. There are many international participants in courses that are conducted there from time to time, including, on occasion, US personnel. They learn about international law, human rights and best practice in the area of peacekeeping, all of which is important to Ireland and none of which impinges on our traditional policy of military neutrality.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised an important point regarding provisions for the inspection of civil aircraft and the issue of troops being carried, for the most part, on civilian aircraft rather than on military aircraft. It is important that we acknowledge the primary responsibility of the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Donohoe, for the regulation of civil aircraft. Having regard to that role, I come back directly here to certain matters on the petition in asking any concerns, suspicion or evidence be laid before members of An Garda Síochána because the Garda has statutory powers in respect of entry, search and the application of the law.