Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Defence if his Department has a role in investigating allegations concerning the alleged transfer of prisoners through Shannon Airport by US forces; if he has made inquiries with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the US authorities on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24184/04]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Defence the role the Defence Forces play in regard to the inspection of US weaponry being transported through Shannon Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24185/04]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Defence the result of the investigations he promised according to a newspaper (details supplied) into reports that a Gulfstream jet, alleged to have illegally transported al-Qaeda suspects to Guantanamo Bay and Egypt, has made a number of landings at Shannon Airport; the reasons for those flights; the type of cargo being carried, in view of the allegations of illegal transports and human rights violations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24267/04]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 29, 44 and 45 together.

Responsibility for the approval of overflights and landings by foreign military aircraft lies with my colleague the Minister for Foreign Affairs. In the case of civil aircraft and civil airports, the responsibility lies with my colleague the Minister for Transport. I have no role in the investigation of any allegations regarding any activity at Shannon Airport. I have made my concerns and views known regarding the alleged transport of prisoners and terrorist suspects through Shannon Airport. However, I am led to understand that there is no substance to the allegations.

The Defence Forces have no role in the inspection of US weaponry being transported through Shannon. Defence Forces personnel are deployed at Shannon Airport in an aid to the civil power role, providing assistance to the Garda at its request to ensure the security of the facility.