Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to say that, as would be customary in any routine refuelling stop, the Vice President of the United States of America availed of the facilities at Shannon Airport. My notes are very clear on this. During the course of this stopover, the Vice President availed of the opportunity to engage informally with a number of US troops since they were passing through also.

To answer the Senator's question directly, I do not believe that this is proof or an indication of anything that undermines Irish neutrality. It is no secret that US personnel crossing the Atlantic often stop in Shannon Airport for refuelling. This does not mean that it determines Irish foreign policy. The Senator would like to insinuate that, but it does not.