Taoiseach and Tánaiste hit back at Sinn Féin's claim they misled Dáil over Israeli flights
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The Taoiseach and Tánaiste have hit back at suggestions from Sinn Féin that they misled the Dáil in relation to flights carrying Israeli weapons in Irish airspace.
A Department of Transport inquiry has found that nine flights passed over Ireland, either destined for Israel or Israeli munitions companies, which it is believed carried weapons of war.
Under existing laws, it is illegal to fly weapons through Irish airspace unless a waiver is granted by the transport minister, which none of the nine flights received.
Mary Lou McDonald said that both Simon Harris and Micheál Martin had "wittingly or otherwise, gave wrong information to the Dáil on this matter", adding that the Dáil was "misled". She said that the Dáil "needs a statement from the Taoiseach and also from the Tánaiste".
"We need an opportunity for questions and answers in respect of weapons of war passing through Irish airspace. I understand that at least nine such flights have passed. The Minister, Deputy Donohoe, has reiterated the position that permissions were neither sought nor granted. That does not take from the fact that it appears this has in fact happened.
"There is an issue of sanction and punishment for those who have breached Irish domestic law, then there is the wider necessity to move beyond simple condemnation from the Government and into concrete action that makes it absolutely clear that not alone will the State condemn acts of war and genocide, but we will do everything within our power to prevent those actions occurring, including criminal."
However, Mr Martin called the comments "an outrageous assertion".
Speaking at the UN in New York, Mr Martin said that no permission was ever sought for the flights, so no clarification was needed.
"Mary Lou McDonald knows that that's not true, and that is false because there's a set procedure in respect of any flights. Airlines that violate our airspace seek permission. No permission was ever sought and I've made that point in the past."
Taoiseach Simon Harris said that it was the Sinn Féin leader who was misleading people and said that her comments were "disingenuous".
"I think she’s misleading people by talking about misleading.
"In relation to the overflights, the Government of Ireland has never provided any permission for such an overflight to take place in terms of carrying munitions and therefore the Government wouldn’t have been in a position to inform the Dáil of such a flight. That position is quite clear.
"Let’s remember the Irish Government and the people of Ireland has been steadfast in our support for Palestine. The idea that she would in any way, shape or form try to muddy the waters on Ireland’s position is extraordinarily disappointing particularly at a time when I am here, the Tánaiste is here, the President is here, all standing up for Palestine, standing up for human rights.
"While she is throwing mud, I am actually here trying to engage with the leader of Palestine to see how we can practically engage."