Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left) | Oireachtas source

It is appropriate to the Minister of State because if it was not it would have been ruled out of order and moved by the Ceann Comhairle's office. The Minister of State does have a role in this regard. The figures he gave are absolutely shocking. At least once a day Army personnel are involved in protecting US aircraft. The Minister of State told us to ask the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade where the aircraft are from but I am sure this is the answer. I have not noticed any Russian planes stopping at Shannon Airport. What does the Minister of State think all of these aircraft, which must stop and refuel, are doing if they are not carrying munitions or engaged in any activity? It is a hugely costly effort to move military aircraft particularly these ones. Considering that Defence Forces personnel are not bothering to examine what they are doing, but are there on practically a daily basis, what does the Minister of State think the US authorities are doing by moving the aircraft on such a consistent basis?

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