Taoiseach Urged to Clarify Israeli Weapons Transit

In the Dáil, it has been brought to attention that Taoiseach Simon Harris should amend the parliamentary record with respect to his previous statements regarding the transportation of arms to Israel through Irish airspace. This call for clarification was made by Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, particularly as more TDs questioned the escalating Middle East conflict on Tuesday.

McDonald said that both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste ought to provide an explanation concerning the conflict in the Dáil. They should likewise allow a platform for Q&A concerning the conveyance of warfare weapons through Irish airspace. Earlier, Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Public Expenditure, confirmed that permission for such flights was “neither asked for nor given”, a statement McDonald challenged, saying it does not change the seeming fact that it has already happened.

She pointed out that proper sanctions and penalties need to be imposed on those who have infringed on Irish domestic law. In June, the Taoiseach assured the Dáil that neither Irish airports nor sovereign airspace were being utilised for transporting weaponry to any conflict zones, including the Middle East. This statement followed accusations made by The Ditch website.

Yet, an ongoing Government examination affirmed a minimum of nine flights of arms destined for Israel had flown over Irish sovereign airspace. McDonald remarked that both the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, whether intentionally or unintentionally, had given erroneous information to the Dáil. She deemed it an inadvertent act, and insisted that this needed rectification.

Earlier, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy denounced the Israeli Defence Forces’ indiscriminate attacks on southern Lebanon.

He stated that the United States continues to ship arms to Israel, with an agreement made last month to supply $20 billion worth. Mr Murphy implored the Taoiseach to request, at the UN, that the US halt its arm shipments to Israel. He also asked the State to impose sanctions on Israel and cease hindering the Occupied Territories Bill’s progression.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed there have been no applications received or exemptions granted for war munitions on civilian aircraft bound for Israel, both in 2023 and to date in 2024. He referred to legislation from 1973 and 1989 which explicitly forbids the transport of munitions on civilian aircraft through Irish airspace, saying no requests for such were made or approved.

Concerning alleged incidents of aircraft moving through Irish airspace, Donohoe reported that the Department of Transport is currently investigating these claims and liaising with the involved carriers, assuring they are treating these allegations with utmost seriousness. He resolutely dismissed accusations that the government has been somehow aiding the transportation of arms through Irish airspace.

Catherine Connolly, an independent TD, alleged that Ireland’s silence on the Middle East conflict – despite verbalising their recognition of Palestine – meant they were indirectly involved. She argued that as a neutral nation, Ireland should be using its influence to promote global peace. She added that despite violating international laws and committing genocide, the EU still maintains a trading relationship with that country.

In response, the Minister assured her of Ireland’s commitment to taking whatever action possible and making necessary statements to foster the conditions for an end to this horrific war and conflict.

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