US war planes to keep Irish ‘subsidy’

THE Government has ruled out reversing its decision to waive flight fees for military aircraft, despite being accused of subsidising the US war in Iraq.

The decision means taxpayers’ money will continue to be used by the Government to refund the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) for the air traffic control and communications fees which are not paid by military flights passing over or landing in Ireland.

Yesterday, the Irish Examiner revealed that overe6 million in lost fees has been repaid to the IAA from the Exchequer in the last two years.