Dáil Éireann - Volume 514 - 16 February, 2000

Written Answers. - Military Neutrality.

Mr. Sargent Mr. Sargent

965

33. Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the arrangements, if any, in place to allow US air force jets based in Europe to use Baldonnel for training exercises; the length of time these arrangements have been in place; the other forms of military co-operation with the United States; and his views on whether [965] this co-operation conflicts with the policy of neutrality. [4381/00]

Mr. Cowen Mr. Cowen

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen): Under the Air Navigation (Foreign Military Aircraft) Order, 1952, foreign military aircraft require the permission of the Minister for Foreign Affairs to overfly or land in the State. Permission for overflights or landings is given on condition that the aircraft in question are unarmed, carry no ammunition, do not engage in intelligence gathering and are not involved in military exercises. There has been no change in this longstanding policy.

Listing of instances of military co-operation with other states is a matter for the Minister for Defence. Military co-operation with a range of states, for example attendance at staff courses, has existed for many years. There are no implications for Irish neutrality in the matters raised by the Deputy.

Dáil Éireann 514 Written Answers. Military Neutrality.

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