Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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235. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 29 June 2017, the nature of the consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in respect of issues on applications from civil airlines for exemptions to carry munitions through Irish airspace under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973; and his views on whether such consultation is in effect a rubber stamping exercise. [31829/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​As outlined in my reply to question number 261 to the Deputy of 29 June, my Department seeks the views of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to foreign policy issues and the Department of Justice in relation to security issues. If the munitions involved are also classified as 'dangerous goods' the views of the Irish Aviation Authority are sought in relation to aviation safety issues. Applications are also sent to Department of Defence.

Up to and including 30 June 2017 of this year,  I have refused 19 applications on the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade highlighting the fact that the consultation process is not merely "a rubber stamping exercise". Each application is considered with regard to foreign policy concerns by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and where it considers appropriate that Department will advise against the issuing of a permit.