Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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51. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if advance notice was given to his Department of the transit of an aircraft (details supplied) through Shannon Airport on 4 February 2019 in view of the fact that the aircraft was en route to a location that may have implications for the international reputation and foreign policy of Ireland. [7459/19]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of War, Weapons and dangerous Goods) Order 1973, as amended, civil aircraft are prohibited from carrying weapons or munitions in Irish sovereign airspace or into Irish airports unless they receive an exemption from the Minister for Transport.

In considering such applications, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport seeks the advice of relevant Government Departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The final decision with respect to the granting of such an exemption rests with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Consistent with our stated policy my Department recommends against the carriage of munitions, with exceptions made for unloaded personal weapons or those intended for international crisis management and peace support operations.

Regarding the civil aircraft detailed in this instance, my Department was asked for and duly provided its observations in accordance with that policy.