Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the points the Deputy has made and will take them on board. However, his question is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. I know the Deputy is passionate about this issue, but the involvement of the Defence Forces solely consists of aid to the civil power to An Garda Síochána. I am aware that the Deputy has raised this issue on a number of occasions, but the Defence Forces involvement and role at Shannon Airport does not compromise our policy of neutrality. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of aid to the civil power, which in practice means to assist An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. Since 2003, An Garda Síochána has requested the support of the Defence Forces at Shannon Airport on a number of occasions.

The issue of overflights by foreign military aircraft and the use of Shannon Airport by foreign military aircraft are the responsibility of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

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