Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

Notwithstanding that, a group of people have attempted to rewrite history and suggest the actions of the Government in recent years amounts to a departure from a long-standing policy. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is a well-recognised fact that the Government has always allowed foreign military aircraft to pass through Irish airspace without compromising the military neutrality that still forms part of Government policy.

It is disappointing that a few individuals have attempted to besmirch the good name of Shannon, particularly so for those of us from County Clare who must suffer an ongoing negative campaign around Shannon Airport. A perception exists outside of Ireland that some type of military operation occurs there daily. One would be forgiven for believing that a camp similar to that in Cuba is in place, which is not the case. It is damaging to the airport and it is important that we put on the record the assurance that Shannon Airport remains a commercial airport and operates on the basis of long-established Government policy.