Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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617. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 617 of 20 January 2015 if he will provide a breakdown of the country of origin of the 606 applications for exemptions in 2014 under the Air Navigation Carriage of Munitions of War Weapons and Dangerous Goods Order 1973. [3947/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The nationalities of the airlines making the 606 applications received in 2014 under the Air Navigation Carriage of Munitions of War Weapons and Dangerous Goods Order 1973 are as follows:

USA – 566

Turkey – 11

Ireland – 10

UK – 9

Netherlands – 3

Poland – 3

Russia – 1

Spain – 1

Switzerland – 1

Ukraine – 1

Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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618. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 617 of 20 January 2015 if he will clarify the statement on whether a foreign state is entitled to transport a large number of troops on their way to war through a neutral state; and whether or not those troops are carrying arms. [3948/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As I have outlined previously, the permits granted by my Department under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order, 1973, as amended, are for the carriage of munitions on civil aircraft in Irish airspace. I have no function as regards the passengers on board such civil aircraft.

I am advised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that Ireland’s policy of military neutrality is characterised by non-participation in military alliances. Arrangements for the over-flight and landing of US military aircraft at Shannon Airport have been in place continuously under successive Governments for over fifty years. These arrangements, and those relating to the transit of US military personnel, are fully consistent with Ireland’s policies and legal requirements, including our traditional policy of military neutrality.