Minister admits State has been examining 'challenges' of flight inspections for '20 to 30 years'

Opposition TDs raised concerns that Ireland could be being used to transfer weapons between the US and Israel, with People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy saying they suggest Shannon Airport is being used as a hub to transport soldiers to the Middle East. File picture: Denis Scannell

There are “challenges” to inspecting flights carrying weapons through Irish airspace and airports, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has said.

Mr Ryan said there is "no record" of any flights that have gone through Shannon, Dublin or Cork airports that have been carrying weapons to the Middle East, despite concerns being raised by opposition TDs.