US arms for Ukraine won't pass through Shannon assures Minister

CONCERNS were raised at the final meeting of Dáil Éireann before summer recess regarding the potential transportation of cluster munitions through Shannon Airport.

Three Members of Parliament, Deputy Thomas Pringle, Deputy Brendan Howlin, and Deputy Catherine Connolly, posed their queries to the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, seeking clarity on measures taken by the government to ensure Ireland does not facilitate the transit of cluster munitions.

In his written response, Minister Martin reiterated Ireland's strong commitment to the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), an international treaty aimed at eliminating cluster munitions due to their indiscriminate and imprecise nature, which the country has supported since its adoption in Dublin in 2008. 

The Minister assured that foreign military aircraft can only land in Ireland if they adhere to strict conditions, which include being unarmed and without ammunition, or explosives. Moreover, these aircraft must not be involved in intelligence gathering or military operations or exercises.

For civilian aircraft operating within Irish sovereign territory, the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons, and Dangerous Goods) Orders of 1973 and 1989 explicitly prohibit the carriage of munitions of war without an exemption granted by the Minister for Transport. The exemption process involves consultations with relevant departments, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice, to consider foreign policy and security implications.

The Department of Transport seeks advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law, Ireland's international obligations, and its broader arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation policy.

Minister Martin's response emphasises the stringent measures in place to uphold Ireland's commitment to banning cluster munitions and preventing their transportation through Irish territories.

The issue has drawn attention as concerns mount over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with the United States agreeing to provide cluster munitions to the country. 

The government's commitment to adhering to international agreements and maintaining strict control over aircraft and port activities underscores its stance on promoting peace and security on the global stage.