Micheál Martin: Ireland has no deal with RAF to protect its airspace

Tánaiste and Defence Minister Mícheál Martin made his comments to reporters before addressing delegates at the PDForra conference in Trim, Co Meath on Tuesday. Picture: Moya Nolan

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin has denied any deal has been done with the RAF to protect Ireland’s airspace, but admitted there “may have been occasions in the past for a number of reasons” that British military aircraft have flown over the country.

He said he believes recent stories in the media about a deal with Britain are “not accurate” but declined to say any more on the matter, citing national security.