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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Shannon flights to Israel

Summary

Deputy Gannon alleged Ireland was failing to inspect flights linked to military contractors and dual-use goods transiting Shannon to Israel. The Taoiseach said the Government was meeting its legal obligations and would review the Deputy’s letter.

Like the Taoiseach, I believe Israel is carrying out a genocide in Gaza. Given that is the case, what are we doing allowing uninspected flights involving private jets linked to military contractors and carrying dual-use goods to transit through Shannon Airport en route to Israel? These flights are not covert. The are documented and trackable. The Taoiseach might be aware that under EU customs law, Ireland is obliged to carry out risk-based inspections. This includes flights using known arms routes. Right now, Ireland is clearly not complying.

The moral failure speaks for itself, but we are potentially in breach of EU VAT enforcement rules, which raises serious questions. Today, my colleague Senator Patricia Stephenson and I have written to OLAF, the EU's anti-fraud body, and to the Attorney General to seek legal clarity on the Government's position for non-inspection of these flights. If the Taoiseach does not have an answer today, he might commit to providing a written response to me on this matter to explain what steps, if any, the Government is taking to ensure that Ireland is meeting all its legal obligations when it comes to the inspections of aeroplanes.

Comment on this

The Government does fulfil its legal obligations. In respect of aviation, there are international conventions that the Government and all other governments have to adhere to regarding inspections or state flights as opposed to commercial flights. The Government is adhering to and observing those obligations. I have not seen the Deputy's letter to the Attorney General. If it is okay, I will ask him to forward a copy of the letter to me.

Comment on this

Yes. I would appreciate a response.

Comment on this