Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Defence the reasons three military aircraft conducted low flights across Dublin city centre on the afternoon of 7 July 2005; his views on whether it may have been inappropriate for such exercises to have taken place on this day due to the morning bomb attacks that had taken place in London; his further views on whether these flights caused some anxiety for the general public; if an investigation has been conducted into this incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32003/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The military aircraft in question, three Pilatus PC9-M flown by the Air Corps Flying Training School, were carrying out a rehearsal fly-past over the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, in preparation for the National Day of Commemoration on 11 July 2005. The National Day of Commemoration is held in honour of all Irish men and women who died in past wars or on peace-keeping duties with the United Nations.

I am advised by the military authorities that the aircraft did not fly over Dublin city centre but remained to the west and south west of the Royal Hospital at all times. The flights were properly authorised and approved prior to the rehearsal fly-past taking place.

Neither my Department nor the Defence Forces have received any complaints concerning the activities of the aircraft on 7 July, and the question of an investigation did not arise.