Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Our country is neutral. Our foreign policy is very clear on it and informs all choices the Government makes on foreign policy and other matters. My Department has clear responsibilities regarding legislation on the safety of aircraft. To extend the Deputy's analogy, the implementation of road traffic law is a matter for the Garda Síochána and, similarly, if there is evidence that the law I have described is being contravened in any way, it is also a matter for the Garda Síochána.

Regarding how my Department engages with other Departments, for any application that comes in regarding a civil aircraft and its use in the carriage of munitions and weapons, my Department seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade regarding foreign policy matters and the Department of Justice and Equality regarding security issues. If the munitions are classified as dangerous goods, the views of the IAA are also sought and applications are sent to the Department of Defence. If any of the bodies object, an exemption is generally not granted.

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