Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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862. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if an aircraft (details supplied) was approved to land at Shannon Airport; if it was carrying weapons or munitions; if US military personnel were transferred from this US Air Force Learjet to another aircraft which was at Shannon Airport during these times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19627/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is responsible for the provision of diplomatic clearance. Arrangements under which such permission is granted for foreign military aircraft, including US aircraft, to land at Irish airports are governed by strict conditions.

These routinely include stipulations that the aircraft must be unarmed, carry no arms, ammunition or explosives and must not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flights in question must not form any part of military exercises or operations.

In relation to the specific landing to which the Deputy has referred, I can confirm that the requesting Embassy confirmed in advance of the landing that the aircraft met the required conditions.