Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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44. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he discussed the ongoing use of Shannon Airport by the US military with his counterpart on his most recent official visit to the US; his plans to change the current arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18234/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I have not yet had the opportunity to meet with the new US Secretary of State Mr. Rex Tillerson since he was sworn into office on 1 February. I look forward to meeting him and to discussing all aspects of our bilateral relationship.

The Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952, made under the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1946, gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland.

Successive Governments have made landing facilities available at Shannon Airport to the United States for well over 50 years. These arrangements are governed by strict conditions, including that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives, that they do not engage in intelligence and that the flights do not form part of military exercises or operations. The arrangements do not amount to any form of military alliance with the US. These conditions are applicable to foreign military aircraft from all other countries seeking to land in Ireland or overfly Irish airspace and are guided by and reflect Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.

Arrangements for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft are kept under ongoing review. In line with this, my Department ensures that detailed and robust procedures are in place to ensure that all relevant parties are fully aware of the requirements relating to applications for permission for foreign military aircraft to overfly or land in the State.