Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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Question 32: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the specific measures he has taken to ensure that our civil aviation laws robustly guard against Irish airports and airspace being used for illegal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17231/12]

Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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Question 34: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will detail the action he has taken to date and any action he plans to take in order to prevent Irish airports and airspace being used for illegal activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17232/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 34 together.

Under the Programme for Government 2011, as the Deputy will be aware, the Government undertook to enforce the prohibition on the use of Irish airspace, airports and related facilities for purposes not in line with the dictates of international law. The regulation of civil aviation is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. My Department has primary responsibility under Irish legislation for foreign military aircraft seeking to overfly or land in Ireland. Under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 foreign military aircraft are not permitted to fly over or land in the State save on the express invitation or with the express permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

In the event that permission is sought, my Department requires an undertaking from the relevant embassy that the aircraft in question will be unarmed; will not be carrying arms, ammunition or explosives; will not engage in intelligence gathering; and is not participating in military exercises or operations.

A number of bodies in Ireland play a role in ensuring compliance with civil and criminal legislation, including An Garda Síochána, and the customs authorities. However, none of these are under the aegis of my Department.