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

The Minister states he is interested in safety, that he is not interested in foreign policy, but yet he is citing neutrality. How is neutrality advanced by him authorising the transit of 190 tonnes of explosives and ammunition to Afghanistan, where, as Members are aware, the Taliban is in control? I would think it not advanced in terms of the safety of people in that region or in Yemen. Perhaps the Minister might deal with an issue regarding the permits he grants. This time last year, the Secretary General of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport appeared before the Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions and stated permissions were only granted based on strict criteria, that the munitions were not visible or on board, that everything was placed in the hold. In my court case earlier this year direct evidence was given that was not contradicted but was accepted by the judge without qualification to the effect that such armoury was carried on board aircraft in clear breach of the direction of the Secretary General of the Department. How does this advance safety, with which the Minister is concerned, never mind neutrality? I do not see how Ireland can claim neutrality, given that it is facilitating this movement by NATO countries and the United States, in particular. Perhaps the Minister might deal with the breach of the permits granted.

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