Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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18. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the exemptions granted by his Department regarding civil aircraft used by foreign militaries under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973, if his Department undertakes any particular measures to ensure that, with regard to aircraft which secure exemptions to carry unloaded weapons on board, any weapons carried on board are indeed unloaded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31811/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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​About 90% of the exemptions granted under the 1973 Order in 2014 were granted to US commercial airlines for flights carrying the unloaded personal weapons of the US troops on board. From time to time exemptions are also granted to European airlines for flights carrying the personal weapons of European troops on board. When applying for such exemptions the airlines specify that the weapons are unloaded at all times and that there is no ammunition on board the aircraft.

The airlines concerned and the defence forces using such aircraft have strict rules regarding the carriage of weapons, which specify that they must be unloaded at all times.

I have no reason to doubt that these rules are being complied with by these airlines. Any information that suggests otherwise should be brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities.