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Pringle pushes for answers to questions on munitions flights through Shannon
- Updated: 6th December 2023
Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, has pressed Government to answer questions he raised four weeks ago on exemptions to the ban on munitions flights through Shannon Airport.
Addressing the Taoiseach in the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said: “I wrote to the Minister for Transport on Wednesday the 8th of November, asking for members of the opposition to be briefed on the detail of the exemptions being granted under the Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods Order.
“Over a fortnight later, not having received even an acknowledgement from the Minister, I put down a PQ (parliamentary question) to see if it would get him moving on this urgent matter.
“The PQ was answered on the 22nd of November and it didn’t answer the question, only promising to answer within 10 days. That deadline has now passed, too. It’s four weeks today and your Minister cannot answer a simple question as to whether he will brief members on the flow of weapons through our territory.
“That no inspections are being carried out is the only thing that is apparent,” he said.
The deputy raised the issue during questions on policy or legislation.
Deputy Pringle said: “As we watch Israel raise Gaza to the ground, indiscriminately murdering civilians and journalists using US-sponsored weapons, it’s pathetic that the Minister can’t see fit to brief members. Do you agree that’s good enough, Taoiseach?”
In his response the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said he will follow up on the matter.
