Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for his question on this important matter. As I have previously outlined to the House, the Chicago Convention of 1944 is the main international treaty governing the operation of international civil aviation. Article 35 of this convention provides that no civil aircraft may carry munitions of war in the sovereign territory of a state without that state’s permission. That pertains here in Ireland. This provision is implemented in Irish law in the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders of 1973 and 1989. Under these orders, the carriage of munitions of war is prohibited on any civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory unless I, in my role as Minister for Transport, have granted an exemption that permits it. From October 2023 to date, no applications for exemptions have been received and no exemptions have been granted for the carriage of munitions of war to any point in Israel. I will reiterate that to be very clear to the House. There have been no applications and no exemptions granted for any carriage of munitions of war to the State of Israel.

I want to clarify that the exemptions I grant as Minister for Transport to civil air operators are not permission to carry munitions of war from one sovereign state to another. The exemptions grant the civil aircraft concerned permission to carry its specific cargo in Irish sovereign territory, such as for an overflight or a non-traffic stop carried out to facilitate refuelling, crew rest or change and other technical issues that might arise. My Department is still engaged in examining the allegations that a number of air operators have carried munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory without the required exemption permitting them to do so. The issues raised are complex and require the examination of extensive documentation. I understand the frustration that might arise due to the perceived delay in completing this work. It is not intentional - I take this very seriously - but the examination must be carried out to a standard that would support any further action should that action be deemed necessary.

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