Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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69. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he has taken in relation to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport approving the transit of munitions through Shannon Airport on a plane (details supplied) on 4 February 2019. [8940/19]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As detailed in my response to this question on 14 February, 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.