Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment from Senator Mac Lochlainn. Could the Leader arrange a debate on the US military's use of Shannon Airport? The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade was here last week and I asked him a question about this issue. I raised specific items relating to mid-air refuelling of planes and multiple take-offs and landings in June, which happened to coincide with a NATO exercise, and, frankly, the Minister did not answer the question. Perhaps we should just get used to Ministers coming to the House and not answering questions, but I do not think it is good enough. In light of the Chilcot report in particular, we need this debate on the US military's use of Shannon Airport and to hear from all sides in the debate. We know that the Iraq war was illegal. We know that it was criminal and that half a million people died in it and, unfortunately, we know that Fianna Fáil sanctioned the use of Shannon Airport by the US military. We know that the Labour Party had an excellent policy on challenging that but, regrettably, it dropped it as soon as it entered Government. We need to hear from all sides. In fairness, I know that there was a tradition in the past, represented by people such as Niall Andrews and Dan Breen, who stood up for military neutrality. We need to hear from all sides of the House on this issue. It is a disgrace. As someone who lives in the area, I am deeply ashamed to see the US military dominating our civilian airport in Shannon, and it is time for it to stop. I ask for a debate at the earliest convenience.