Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 November 2025
30. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her attention has been drawn to the €10 million air traffic control bill that has been paid by the taxpayer to facilitate US military flights through Shannon Airport since 2018; if she could provide a justification for that spending, given our military neutrality; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66527/25]
View answerThe permission given by Ireland to foreign military or state aircraft to overfly or land in the State is fully compatible with our policy of military neutrality.
The handling of requests for diplomatic clearance for overflights and landings by foreign military and state aircraft is dealt with by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, with full respect for Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.
In particular, foreign military and state aircraft are only permitted to land in the State if they meet the strict conditions for diplomatic clearance, including that the aircraft is unarmed, and carries no arms, ammunition or explosives; that it is not engaged in intelligence gathering; and that it does not form part of a military operation or exercise.
Ireland's policy of military neutrality, as practised by successive Governments, means that Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. As the Government has stated on numerous occasions, there are no plans to alter this policy.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade does not lead on the issue of air traffic control fees, and questions on this issue should be directed to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
