Gardaí ‘cannot check’ aircraft with sovereign immunity

Gardaí cannot inspect aircraft that land here if they are from a foreign state that enjoys sovereign immunity, Justice Minister Alan Shatter has said.

Mr Shatter was responding to questions from Independent TD Clare Daly, following confirmation last month that a heavily armed US military plane landed at Shannon in contravention of its landing conditions.

The US Air Force AC130 plane was carrying a powerful, side-mounted, 30mm cannon when it transited Shannon on Sept 5 last.