Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
12. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the appropriate diplomatic actions that have been taken or are planned in the matter of breaches reported by an organisation (details supplied), documentation on which has been provided to the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35624/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of recent media reports regarding civil aircraft flights to Israel. As the Deputy is aware, under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders 1973 and 1989, it is expressly prohibited for civil aircraft to carry munitions of war in Irish sovereign territory, without being granted an exemption to do so by the Minister for Transport. In 2023, and to date in 2024, no applications have been received or exemptions granted for the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft to a point in Israel. It is important to note that these exemptions are not granted to nation states, rather they are granted to civil air operators.
The Department of Transport is now examining these reports, including through engaging with the carrier concerned. It is important that we take the time to establish the facts of what has happened, and this is the urgent work that the Department of Transport is currently taking forward. It would not be appropriate to speculate on what actions might be considered until the facts have been fully established.
