Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the recent administrative error on the part of the US Government in failing to request the permission of his Department to transport a military prisoner through Shannon Airport, he has made or will make enquiries as to whether similar administrative omissions have been made in the past; the number of applications for permission to transport prisoners via Irish airspace or facilities which have been made by the US Government since 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23703/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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My colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, on 13 June, gave the House a detailed account of the matter referred to by the Deputy. This followed a meeting with the US Ambassador on 12 June, at which the Ambassador conveyed his deep regret for the breach of procedures, and confirmed his authorities' determination that the use of Irish airspace and airports by the US be completely transparent and in conformity with Irish law and the wishes of the Government. On the basis of discussions with the US authorities, there is no reason to believe that the incident in question was other than an isolated one. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has, however, formally asked for a written report from the US Embassy on the matter.

There is no record in my Department of any applications for permission to transport prisoners via Irish airspace or facilities by the US Government since 2001.