Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
219. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of exemptions for foreign military aircraft to pass through Ireland that were refused in 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14455/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, all foreign military aircraft wishing to overfly, or land in, the State require diplomatic clearance from the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Diplomatic clearance is subject to strict conditions, including that the aircraft is unarmed, that it carries no arms, ammunition or explosives, that it does not engage in intelligence gathering, and that the flight in question does not form part of a military exercise or operation. The policy of diplomatic clearance is well known and fully understood by international partners, and is done in full compliance with Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade publishes monthly statistics in relation to overflights and landings of foreign military and state aircraft on the gov.ie website. No requests for diplomatic clearance for overflights or landings by foreign military or state aircraft were refused in 2025.
