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

It is the Minister's responsibility, as it is his Department that grants the permits. I take it from his reply that he is stating he intends to do nothing to change the position. More than 550 permits were granted to airlines carrying troops, weapons and explosives to their forward operating bases, all from NATO countries, by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Moreover, they areen routeto areas engaged in war. Under the legislation the Minister cited, he is authorised to search such aircraft. It is part of his powers he has chosen not to invoke. When the Administration came to power, its programme for Government stated, "We will enforce the prohibition on the use of Irish airspace, airports and related facilities for purposes not in line with the dictates of international law". I am aware, on foot of freedom of information requests, that munitions and explosives that could have been the components of cluster bombs went from the United States to Saudi Arabia. I am aware that the United States is facilitating illegal breaches of international law in Yemen in the massacre of civilians which is occurring there. Therefore, the Minister will be in breach of the programme for Government and international law unless he carries out the searches he is lawfully permitted to do before granting permits. I really do not know why he is not doing it. He might enlighten Members.

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