Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

312. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will address a series of matters (details supplied) in relation to an aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28046/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Under the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require the permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The provision of diplomatic clearance to land in, or overfly, the State is subject to strict conditions, namely, that the aircraft is unarmed; that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it does not engage in intelligence gathering; and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation.

I can confirm that in advance of the flight the US Embassy submitted a request for diplomatic clearance for the specified aircraft to land at Casement aerodrome, Baldonnel, which stated that these conditions would be met. On that basis the requisite permission was granted.