Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I had not heard the earlier part of the question. That is why I sought clarification.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.

Under the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly or land in the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic clearance is only provided where the strict conditions set out by my Department are fully met, including that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation. This policy is well known, is fully understood by the United States and other international partners, and is done in full compliance with Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.

Foreign military aircraft which are given permission to land in Ireland are not subject to inspection in this regard. Sovereign immunity, a long-standing principle of customary international law, means a state may not exercise its jurisdiction in respect to another state or its property, including state and military aircraft. This principle applies automatically to foreign state or military aircraft in the same way it applies to Irish State or military aircraft abroad.

Successive governments have made landing facilities available at a number of Irish airports to the United States and other foreign militaries for well over 50 years. Arrangements for foreign military aircraft to land in Irish airports are governed by strict conditions, as I have outlined. These conditions are applicable to foreign military aircraft from all other countries seeking to land in Ireland or overfly Irish airspace. My Department ensures detailed procedures are in place to ensure all relevant parties are fully aware of the requirements relating to applications for permission for foreign military aircraft to overfly or land in the State.

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