Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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688. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention was drawn to the planned arrival of a plane (details supplied) before it landed; the way in which assurances can be given that there were no weapons on board and that it was not involved in military operations; the details of the plane's activities here and in Irish airspace; the destination of the plane after leaving Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27364/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Regarding the aircraft referred to by the Deputy, permission to land was sought in advance by the US Embassy from my Department. The US Embassy confirmed in writing that the purpose of the landing was refuelling, and that the aircraft was unarmed; carried no arms, ammunition or explosives; and was not engaged in intelligence-gathering. The Embassy also confirmed in writing that the flight in question did not form part of a military exercise or operation and that the aircraft’s destination was Germany.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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689. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention was drawn to the planned arrival of two planes (details supplied) before they landed; the way in which assurances can be given that there were no weapons on board and that they were not involved in military operations; the planes' activities here and in Irish airspace; the destination of the planes after leaving Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27365/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Regarding the former aircraft referred to by the Deputy, permission to land was sought in advance by the US Embassy from my Department. The US Embassy confirmed in writing that the purpose of the landing was refuelling, and that the flight was unarmed; carried no arms, ammunition or explosives; and was not engaged in intelligence-gathering; that the flight in question did not form part of a military exercise or operation and that the aircraft’s destination was Greece. In relation to the latter aircraft referred to by the Deputy, permission to land was not sought in advance from my Department. The US Embassy explained that it was necessary for this aircraft to land at Shannon Airport due to adverse weather conditions. Later that day, the Embassy confirmed in writing that the flight was unarmed; carried no arms, ammunition or explosives; was not engaged in intelligence-gathering; and that the flight in question did not form part of a military exercise or operation. The Embassy also confirmed in writing that the purpose of the landing was crew rest and that the aircraft’s destination was Italy.

The Government views breaches of the procedures set down for the granting of permission for landings by foreign military aircraft with the utmost seriousness. The US Embassy has informed my Department that they will review their procedures to ensure that timely notification of requests for military aircraft to land in Irish territory is provided in all future instances. My officials will remain in contact with the US Embassy regarding this matter.