Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
357. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is currently monitoring US state flights which are stopping over at Shannon; and if there is awareness of deportation flights carrying refugees back to Palestine which are stopping over at Shannon [12438/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra387. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is aware of the number of flights through Shannon or other Irish airports known to have people deported from the US on board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12137/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra388. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department has within its power to ensure that the human rights of individuals on flights through Shannon or other Irish airports known to have people deported from the US are being adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12138/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra389. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will continue to permit companies (details supplied) to land at Irish airports, given that are known to carry people detained by ICE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12139/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra427. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to reports of ICE deportation flights refuelling at Shannon airport, including those deporting Palestinians to the West Bank; if he will commit to ending Ireland’s facilitation of such flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12614/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 357, 387, 388, 389 and 427 together.
The Convention on International Civil Aviation signed at Chicago on 7 December 1944, and its associated annexes, established the framework for the operation of international civil aviation. Both Ireland and the United States are contracting parties to this Convention.
Article 5 of this Convention provides for the right of air operators of contracting parties to operate non-scheduled overflights and stops for non-traffic purposes (e.g., refuelling) in the territory of the other contracting parties.
This provision is provided for in Irish law in Article 3 of the Air Services Authorisation Order 1993.
Stops at Irish airports, by private and commercial charters, which are technical stops for non-traffic purposes (i.e. not picking up or setting down passengers), do not require prior authorisation from my Department.
My department had no prior knowledge of, nor has any information on, the flights referred to by the Deputies.
Ireland's responsibilities under International Human Rights conventions are a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
