Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. He is in a difficult position. I believe the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Flanagan, is hiding on this issue. I originally asked that the Taoiseach appear before this House on this issue but the matter was referred to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade who, as I said, is in hiding on this issue. The reply has no credibility whatsoever.

In regard to the statement that aircraft are not carrying arms or ammunition there are witnesses who have seen these arms and ammunition and have testified to that in court cases. We also have the expertise of Mr. Tom Clonan. I live in Limerick, and people in Limerick and Shannon know what is going on. For the Government to say it accepts US assurances is akin to it choosing to turn a blind to what is going on. People are being blown to bits and to smithereens and the Irish Government is hiding. The Minister, Deputy Flanagan, is putting his career ahead of people's lives, which is an absolute disgrace and an embarrassment for our country. This also opens up Shannon as a target for international terrorism. The Government can do better than this.