Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 October 2024
69. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his efforts to ensure that no further flights transit Ireland trafficking arms in support of Israel's genocide in Gaza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42014/24]
View answerThe operation of overflights is a complex matter which is underpinned by various multilateral conventions and/or bilateral agreements to which Ireland is a party. As a result of this, air operators do not need to seek prior permission before transiting our airspace save where they are intending to carry munitions of war. In 2023 approximately 368,000 overflights were managed in Irish controlled airspace (which includes sovereign airspace) and 1185 exemptions were granted of which 601 were in respect of overflights.
While Ireland's legislative requirements in respect of the carriage of munitions of war are set out in the internationally standardised Integrated Aeronautical Information Package (IAIP), my Department arranged for a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to issue in August the purpose of which was to remind all carriers of our legislative requirements, as pilots in command should take account of any NOTAMs along its flight plan.
My officials are continuing to examine the matter of alleged contraventions in respect of the carriage of munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, through engagement with the air operators concerned.
