Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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127. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if An Garda Síochána carried out checks on or searches of an airplane (details supplied) while it was at Shannon Airport, in view of the fact that the call sign of the airplane indicated that it was on US military business and the gardaí were in close proximity to the airplane while it was at Shannon. [21738/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I have sought the information requested by the Deputy from the Garda Authorities on the matter raised by the Deputy and I will correspond with her when the information is to hand.

The general position in respect of the powers of search available to An Garda Síochána in respect of aircraft has been set out to the House on many occasions previously. An Garda Síochána has statutory powers of search and entry available to it under various legislative provisions and these apply to civil aircraft as much as to any other type of private property. However, these powers may only be exercised in circumstances where a member of An Garda Síochána reasonably suspects that an offence has been or is being committed. Of course these powers must be exercised in accordance with law. The mere suggestion or assertion of wrongdoing would plainly not be sufficient in this regard. An Garda Síochána has no role in relation to the inspection of foreign State or military aircraft which, in accordance with international law, enjoy sovereign immunity. An Garda Síochána has previously investigated allegations made to it of unlawful activity at Irish airports and the Garda Authorities remain fully committed to investigate all alleged breaches of the criminal law, including alleged offences involving the use of aircraft at Shannon Airport or other Irish airports.