Government to approve powers to allow searches of foreign aircraft suspected of carrying weapons

Under existing laws, it is illegal for flights to carry weaponry through Irish airspace unless prior consent is provided by the transport minister

last month Eamon Ryan said that provisions would be examined to allow for inspections of flight manifests on flights through Irish airspace. He confirmed that sanctions would be an option for airlines which breach rules around transporting munitions. Picture: Collins 

The Government is set to approve sweeping new powers that will allow for flash searches of foreign aircraft suspected of carrying weaponry through Irish airspace.

The latest proposals would allow for Irish agents of the State to board aircraft to search planes to find any munitions of war that were left undeclared to the Government.