asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the reports appearing in certain foreign daily newspapers to the effect that permission has been granted by the Government of Eire to Air France Transatlantique to carry out test flights from the Shannon airport, he will state whether such permission is of a temporary or permanent nature, and whether the consent of the other parties entitled to use the airport was obtained; furthermore, if he will give an assurance that no foreign power will be allowed to use the Shannon air base or any of the Irish territorial waters for any purpose except with the permission of the Oireachtas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of the Shannon Air Base.
An application has been received for permission for Air France Transatlantique to fly over and land in Ireland in the course of a number of experimental flights over the North Atlantic in 1938. The Irish Government have informed the French Government that they are prepared to accede to this application. The permission to be granted to Air France Trans-atlantique to carry out test flights from the Shannon airport will be of a temporary nature, and apply only to certain experimental flights this year. As provided for in the arrangements made at Ottawa in November, 1935, agreement between the Governments concerned has been obtained for these experimental flights. I assume the second part of the question refers to the use of Irish territory by foreign Government aircraft. This matter is dealt with by Regulation 75 of the Air Navigation (General) Regulations, 1930, which provides that no foreign Government aircraft shall fly over or land in this country save on the express invitation or with the express permission of the Government.