Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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138. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reasons no action has been taken under article 16 provisions of the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation - Chicago Convention - in relation to the searching of planes suspected of involvement in renditions, troops or arms transportation; and when this situation will be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7671/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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An Garda Siochana have powers under Irish law to inspect civil aircraft where there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that an offence has been committed.

As I have stated in the House previously, I am advised that the previous Government received unique assurances, from the highest level of a friendly state, that no extraordinary rendition had taken place through Ireland. The Gardai have conducted several investigations into allegations made to them of extraordinary rendition. 

With regard to the transportation of arms, the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973 prohibits the carriage of munitions of war by civilian aircraft without a permit granted by the Minister under Section 5 of the Order.  My Department consults the following organisations on all applications: the Irish Aviation Authority on air safety, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade about foreign policy, and the Department of Justice. Where objections are raised permits are refused.