Written answers

Wednesday, 28 September 2005

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Landing Rights

9:00 pm

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 965: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform 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 the Garda Síochána to ensure that they complied with their obligations on declaration of the persons and cargo being carried, especially regarding the transportation of weapons, munitions and explosives, categorised by airport landed at in the State and by final destination of the aircraft; if the Garda Síochána intends to make any such investigations during the remainder of 2005; if he intends to instruct the Garda Síochána in any manner regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24933/05]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Permission for foreign military aircraft to land in the State is granted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, pursuant to the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952. Permission is normally granted based on several policy stipulations, included among which are requirements relating to cargo contents.

Chartered civilian aircraft are also sometimes used to transport military cargo through the State. Permission for the transport of any such cargo on civilian aircraft must first be obtained from the Minister for Transport, who, in turn, consults with the Minister for Foreign Affairs before reaching a decision.

Regarding civilian aircraft generally landing in the State for refuelling or other purposes, there is no requirement under international or Irish law to notify the Department of Transport in advance, although many airlines voluntarily do so.

In the case of US military aircraft or chartered civilian aircraft transporting military cargo, the US Embassy submits applications to confirm that the aircraft seeking landing permission will comply with the operative criteria.

The Garda Síochána is notified in advance of the arrival of all foreign military and chartered civilian flights carrying military cargo and of the cargo contents and passenger numbers. I am informed by the Garda authorities that such aircraft are not routinely inspected and that, for the period in question, no inspections were undertaken.

I have no information to indicate that the operative criteria applying to such aircraft are being or have been breached. However, I can assure the Deputy that the Garda Síochána conducts a full investigation in any case where a credible complaint of criminal activity is made, to include, where appropriate, an inspection of the aircraft in question. As a consequence, I do not consider that further action is warranted.

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