Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2024
14. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his engagements with the Minister for Transport regarding the illegal transfer of arms through Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39047/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra17. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the illegal transport of the weaponry of war through sovereign Irish airspace could damage or diminish Irish neutrality or credibility internationally; to outline, in order to prevent same, the steps he intends to take to vindicate Ireland’s policy of neutrality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39050/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 17 together.
Ireland's policy of military neutrality, as practised by successive Governments over many decades, means that Ireland does not participate in military alliances or common or mutual defence arrangements. As I have said previously, the Government has no plans to alter our long-standing policy of military neutrality, join a military alliance or enter into a mutual defence arrangement.
The prohibition of the unauthorised carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft is an international rule, as set out in Article 35 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, 1944, known as the Chicago Convention. Article 35 of the Convention provides that no civil aircraft may carry munitions of war in or above the territory of a state without that state’s permission. This is implemented in Irish law in the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, 1973 and 1989. Under these orders, the carriage of munitions of war is prohibited on any civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory and on board Irish-registered civil aircraft, wherever they may be, unless an exemption is granted by the Minister for Transport.
The Department of Transport has confirmed that no applications for exemptions to carry munitions of war were received nor exemptions granted, for the civil aircraft flights which were the subject of recent media reports. The Department of Transport is examining these reports, including through engaging with the carriers concerned, to determine whether there may have been a breach of the applicable law.
My Department remains in ongoing contact with the Department of Transport on this matter.
