Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 May 2026
212. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence whether the Government has conducted a legal or regulatory assessment concerning Ireland's international civil aviation obligations in relation to the operation, certification and oversight of State or military aircraft utilised in support of An Garda Síochána operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36230/26]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that Military and State aircraft operating in support of An Garda Síochána are exempt from civil aviation obligations as governed by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA)and international bodies such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Under international law (Article 3 of the Chicago Convention), military, customs, and police services are classified as "State aircraft" and fall outside civil aviation frameworks.
The operation, certification, and oversight of the Garda Air Support Unit aircraft are governed by military frameworks and a cross-departmental Service Level Agreement (SLA) between An Garda Síochána, the Irish Air Corps, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Justice.
