Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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110. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to review the use of Shannon Airport by the US military in view of the supporting role played by the United States in the war in Yemen and the violations of human rights taking place in that country as a consequence of that war. [53035/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order 1952 gives the Minister for Foreign Affairs primary responsibility for the regulation of activity by foreign military aircraft in Ireland. In this context, permission for foreign military aircraft to land at Irish airports is given only on condition that the aircraft are unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and do not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question do not form any part of military exercises or operations. All States, including the United States, must confirm that their aircraft meet these criteria. These conditions reflect Ireland’s policy of military neutrality and are strictly applied. I share the deep concern as expressed repeatedly from all quarters in this House at the deteriorating situation in Yemen. The humanitarian crisis in that country demands an urgent agreement on a full cessation of hostilities and immediate improved humanitarian access to those in need. I again call on all of the belligerents to agree to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. At my request Ireland joined with a core group of countries at the UN Human Rights Council to drive forward the adoption of a Resolution on Yemen that establishes a group of international experts, who will examine allegations of violations of human rights and humanitarian law on the ground. This tasking is an important step towards accountability in Yemen.