State seeks to stop case over alleged agreement with British military

Government council said the State had been put in a 'difficult position', as its policy regarding sensitive State security meant it could neither confirm nor deny the claims

The case was brought before the High Court by Independent senator and former soldier Gerard Craughwell. Picture: Maxwells

The Court of Appeal has been told by the State that a case against it by a sitting senator alleging that a secret arrangement exists allowing the British military to intercept rogue aircraft in Irish airspace should not be allowed go to trial because of legal issues.

The case was brought before the High Court by Independent senator and former soldier Gerard Craughwell, who claims that any such arrangement, or “international agreement” between the two governments is unlawful and unconstitutional, unless it has been approved by the Irish people in a referendum.