Written answers

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Air Navigation Orders

Photo of Sinéad GibneySinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats)
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592. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps he will take under the powers granted to him under section 5 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1946 to issue appropriate orders to stop the illegal transport of weapons through Irish airspace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43956/25]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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In exercise of the powers conferred by sections 5 of the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1946, among others, the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of war, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973 came into operation that year and was later amended, by order, in 1989.

These orders prohibit the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft in or over the State and by civil aircraft registered in the State, wherever they may be operating unless an exemption from this prohibition is granted by the Minister for Transport.

The process to apply for an exemption under the 1973 and 1989 Orders is long-standing and robust. All applications by air operators are considered on a case-by-case basis. In assessing applications for an exemption, my Department consults with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to determine if there are any foreign policy or security issues that need to be considered in the context of the application. The Department of Defence is also informed of all applications. Any views expressed by these Departments are taken into account in my decision to grant or refuse any application for an exemption.

The Irish Aviation Authority, the state agency with responsibility for regulating the carriage of dangerous goods by air, is consulted on any applications for an exemption to permit the carriage of munitions of war also classified as dangerous goods, such as ammunition.

Details of exemptions issued are published at regular intervals on my Department's website.

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