Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of US troops that have passed through Shannon Airport in 2005; if this figure represents an increase in the total for the same period in 2004; the type of facilities that are made available to these troops when passing through Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12348/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Civilian air carriers carrying weapons or munitions wishing to land or over-fly Irish airspace are obliged to seek exemption from the provisions of sections 6 and 7 of the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973. This order applies only to the carriage of munitions of war, weapons and dangerous goods and not to military personnel. There is no limitation on the carriage of military troops on civilian aircraft if they are unaccompanied by weapons or munitions, as is sometimes the case. Therefore, my Department do not collate information with regard to the number of military troops onboard civilian aircraft.

However, on the basis of information collected by Shannon Airport management, the number of US troops that have passed through Shannon Airport from 1 January 2005 to 30 April 2005, the most recent figures available, is 110,766. In the same period in 2004, the number of troops was 47,149. While in Shannon Airport, the US troops have access to the transit lounge area. The facilities here include duty free, shopping area, toilets and refreshments.