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

With respect, the way for Ireland to maximise its influence to promote peace is to build relationships with countries all over the world that are involved in conflict so that we can try to influence the decisions they make. That is how the world works when it comes to international politics, as opposed to countries taking stands that may sound good domestically but which get nothing done internationally.

With regard to the use of Shannon Airport, 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. Conditions routinely applied include that the aircraft must be unarmed and carry no arms, ammunition or explosives; that they do not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flights concerned do not form part of military exercises or operations. These conditions apply equally to military aircraft from all countries, including the US, seeking to land in Shannon or elsewhere in Ireland.

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