Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This Government has offered congratulations to President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris. We look forward to working with the new administration, once it is in place, to progress international peace and security, including during our time on the UN Security Council and on the important global challenges of Covid-19, economic recovery and climate change.

Deputy Connolly refers to the use of commercial aircraft by the US Government. While the Department of Transport has primary responsibility for civil aircraft, I would note that the use of Shannon Airport by the US military is a long-standing practice which has been in place for over 50 years. I am satisfied that this practice is fully consistent with Ireland’s policies, including our traditional policy of military neutrality. This policy of military neutrality, together with our international activism on issues such as disarmament, international crisis management and peacekeeping has helped us to speak with a distinctive and independent voice on many of the key challenges facing the world in relation to the maintenance of international peace and security.

Our relationship with the US is strong and deep and it is this Government's intention to work with the new Administration on strengthening that relationship through building on those long-standing and close political, diplomatic and economic ties.

I have addressed, as have other Ministers, the issue of the facilitation of planes coming through Shannon Airport on many occasions. There are safeguards in place.

I do not propose to make a significant issue of this with the incoming administration in the US unless there is very good reason to do so.

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