Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
275. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the overflight of Ireland by a US military P-8 Poseidon anti-submarine aircraft on an active military operation on 5 January 2026 was given permission by her Department for the overflight; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1480/26]
View answer276. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in relation to a US military aircraft, which is reported to have flown through Irish airspace (details supplied), whether permission was granted by Irish authorities for this; if so, on what basis; if not granted the actions taken as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1587/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 275 and 276 together.
Specific arrangements for the US were established in 1959, where overflights of US military aircraft are permitted without prior notification, on the basis that the aircraft are unarmed, carry only cargo and passengers and comply with navigational requirements.
With regard to the specific aircraft in question, I can confirm that it did fly through Irish sovereign airspace on that date. My Department has received assurances from the US Embassy that the overflight fully met the requirements of the 1959 arrangement, and was not involved in any military operations in Irish sovereign airspace.
