Minister Eamon Ryan wants to see strengthening of State's ability to detect and sanction breaches of Irish law
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Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan outlined to Cabinet today his views on the need to strengthen the State’s ability to both detect and sanction any civil air operators that are found to have contravened Irish law on the transportation of munitions of war through our airports or sovereign airspace.
The Minister outlined how he considers that Ireland's capabilities to ensure compliance could be strengthened and has asked his officials to engage with the Department of Foreign Affairs with a view to ensuring the State has the necessary legal powers to “search, sample and sanction” flights/cargo/air operators to ensure compliance with our laws.
Under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Orders, the carriage of munitions of war on civil aircraft in Irish sovereign territory or on Irish-registered civil aircraft, wherever they may be operating, is prohibited unless an exemption is granted by the Minister for Transport.
However, this legislation was drafted in the 1970s and 1980s. The context in which it was written pre-dates the significant growth seen in aviation in the following decades, including full liberalisation of air transport within the European Union.
In recent months, it has become clear that the legislation governing this area needs to be updated. The Minister previously said that he wanted to put in place a system of random inspections of aircraft which have been granted exemptions to carry munitions of war through Irish sovereign territory (that is, that land). He outlined this intention in the Seanad in May 2024.
While the legislation would not be ready in time for this government, it is hoped that work would continue over the coming months and could be completed by the next coalition.