Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 376: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to suspicions that breaches of domestic law occurred at various times in the past two years on board US military or US-contracted planes which have landed at Shannon Airport; and the steps the Garda Síochána or officials from his Department have taken to follow-up and prove or disprove these suspicions. [28367/05]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 378: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps the Garda Síochána or officials from his Department have taken to gather credible evidence in relation to breaches of domestic or international law being perpetrated on board airplanes in airports here over the past few years, in particular US military or contracted planes transporting personnel or others stopping over in Shannon Airport. [28369/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 378 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that two formal complaints alleging breaches of domestic and international law were made in October and December 2004. Both complaints were thoroughly investigated by the Garda Síochána and extensive investigation files were submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP. In both instances, the DPP directed that no prosecutions be initiated, as no evidence was adduced of any unlawful activity.

In the case of US military aircraft and, 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 set down by the relevant Irish authorities. I have no credible information to indicate that the operative criteria applying to such aircraft are being or have been breached.

As has already been evidenced, the Garda Síochána will conduct a full investigation in any case where a formal complaint of criminal activity is made.