Tánaiste Micheál Martin has revealed that numerous flights have breached Irish sovereign air space, signifying that the government might contemplate rejecting the services of companies in violation of travel protocols. The finding was the result of a governmental inquiry.
This investigation was initiated earlier this month by the Department of Transport, following numerous reports on a digital news platform. The reports exposed a series of flights believed to have transported an assortment of explosive materials, ammunition, and military goods aimed for the Israel Defence Forces or Israeli weapons companies since October 2023.
Under Irish legislation, airlines required to transport “weaponry” are obliged to obtain authorization from the Minister for Transport before accessing the Irish sovereign air space. The department has already verified that no such permissions were obtained for transportation of these goods to Israel in 2023 or so far in 2024.
While addressing at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Mr. Martin stated that there should be repercussions for companies that disregard Irish laws. He said the government has received no requests regarding the overpassing of Irish airspace. The Transport Department has been coordinating with pertinent authorities regarding this matter and the respective company, encouraging dialogues with the Belgian government.
Mr. Martin emphasised that the total count of flights violating our sovereign airspace is substantial. He added that the next action for the government would be the verification of the cargo on these flights and the subsequent necessary steps. He hinted that the primary measure could be the prospect of forbidding these companies from accessing Irish aerospace if they are found breaching the fundamental regulations.
When queried about his support for a potential ban, he responded, “We can only do what is within our means… Nonetheless, in this interdependent world, it is our expectation that corporations observe the fundamental rules. The primary regulations in this situation are that any entity intending to transport goods through our sovereign airspace needs to be evaluated by the Department of Transport — this is standard procedure. This is customary practice and it’s anticipated that airlines will adhere to it. If they fail to do so, repercussions must be enforced, but that consideration lies with the Government once we receive the Department’s final review.”