Mairéad Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
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103. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department approved the overflight of a US Air Force flight (details supplied); to explain how such an aircraft complied with Government prohibitions against the carrying of weapons, munitions, and so on, given that no such aircraft leaves the United States unless it is on a military operation or training exercise; and to outline what precautions are taken to ensure contraventions do not take place. [54888/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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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 diplomatic clearance from the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, with full respect for Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.

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.

While the overflight in question was not originally scheduled to enter Irish airspace, it was required to do so mid-flight for reasons of air traffic safety.

With respect to this overflight, I am satisfied that the correct diplomatic clearance procedures for foreign military overflights were followed in full and that all the above conditions were fully met.