Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 499: To ask the Minister for Finance the proportion of aircraft with a declared origin or destination of Andrews Air Force Base, Washington DC, which landed in the State during each of 2004 and 2005 to date and which were examined by Customs and Excise to ensure that they complied with their obligations on declaration of the persons and cargo being carried, especially in regard to the transportation of weapons, munitions and explosives, categorised by airport landed at in the State and by final destination of the aircraft; if Customs and Excise intends to make any such investigations during the remainder of 2005; if he intends to instruct Customs and Excise in any manner regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24930/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I presume what the Deputy has in mind are aircraft used by the United States forces that have landed in Shannon Airport for refuelling and then departed for destinations outside the State. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there is no obligation on any aircraft engaged in third country traffic landing in the customs-free airport at Shannon for refuelling, not unloading or loading goods, and then departing the State, to make a declaration to customs. In the circumstances, customs has no role in relation to the examination or investigation of such aircraft.