Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy contends that allowing US military aircraft to land at Shannon Airport amounts to a change in or weakening of our policy of neutrality which enjoys wide public support and has been pursued by successive Governments for more than half a century. As has been repeatedly stated in the House, that policy has not changed. Ireland is not a member of a military alliance and the Government has no intention of changing that long-standing policy. The facility granted to the United States and other countries to land aircraft at Shannon Airport is transparent and open and the strict conditions that apply to such landings are a matter of public record, having been set out many times in the House.

The practical implementation of the conditions for granting permission for landings by foreign military aircraft is guided by and reflects Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality to which the Government is full committed. This policy has gone hand in hand with our belief that international engagement is critical to enhancing co-operation and reducing conflict in the world.

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