Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 228: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will clarify the process in the granting of exemption from articles 6 and 7 the Air Navigations (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973; if a separate exemption must be sought and granted for every flight by an exempted aircraft; the number of aircraft exempt from articles 6 and 7 of the order as of 1 January 2010; the number permitted to take dangerous goods through or over Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35342/10]

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 229: To ask the Minister for Transport if the final destinations of flights carrying arms through Ireland are known to his Department; the procedures that are in place to ensure that they are not destined for embargoed destinations, or destined for end-users likely to commit war crimes or human rights violations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35343/10]

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 230: To ask the Minister for Transport the reason for which 22 applications for permits to carry munitions through Ireland in 2007, as well as 28 in 2008 and 30 in 2009 were not granted; the criteria used to decide if a permit will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35344/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Question Nos. 228 to 230, inclusive, together.

The carriage of weapons and munitions of war on civilian aircraft is prohibited under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989, unless an exemption from this prohibition is granted by the Minister for Transport. A separate exemption must be sought for every flight. The origin and destination of each flight is specified by the carrier on the application form. In respect of each application, the Department of Transport seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs in relation to foreign policy and the Department of Justice and Law Reform in relation to security. The views of the Irish Aviation Authority are also sought in relation to aviation safety aspects if the weapons/munitions are classified as 'dangerous goods' by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Each application is also sent to Department of Defence for their information. Where any of these bodies objects to a particular application the Minister does not grant an exemption. The number of aircraft exempted from Articles 6 and 7 of the Order since 1 January 2010 was 1008. For security reasons it is not the practice to comment on any reasons given for refusal of applications unless the cargo is of a nature that its carriage is specifically prohibited under international law.