Foreign military aircraft landings
Pattison asked for annual landing counts, countries of origin and reasons since 1980. The Taoiseach referred to a forthcoming table, said totals ranged from 128 in 1981 to 311 in 1985, and explained that reasons for all landings were not compiled; they were usually refuelling, maintenance, repairs or rest. De Rossa was directed to the table for origins.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of foreign military aircraft which has been permitted to land in this country in each year since 1980; their country of origin; and the reasons for landing in each case.
Comment on this
The information requested by the Deputy about numbers of landings by foreign military aircraft and their countries of origin is in the form of a tabular statement which will appear in the Official Report of the House. The total numbers of such landings ranged from 128 in 1981 to 311 in 1985.
The considerable amount of work which would be involved in identifying the reason for each of over 1,700 landings in the period since 1980 would not be justified. I can say, however, that landings are usually for operational reasons such as refuelling, maintenance or repairs or for rest and relaxation purposes. For example, shopping at Shannon Airport. Foreign military aircraft are also allowed to land in connection with visits by important personalities, as part of their participation in humanitarian search and rescue operations or because they are diverted due to weather conditions.
Landings by Foreign Military Aircraft.
Comment on this
Will the Taoiseach indicate from what states the aircraft came——
