The Minister for Foreign Affairs has defended the ongoing use of Shannon Airport by the US Military.
Appearing before an Oireachtas Committee, Minister Charlie Flanagan insisted the arrangement does not flout Ireland's neutrality, and said there's no evidenec that it poses a security risk either.
The Oireachtas Petitions Committee is investigating the use of Shannon Airport by American troops, after being asked to do so my anti-war campaigners.
They've visited Shannon as part of their investigation, and heard evidence from a number of individuals including Minister Charlie Flanagan.
He told members that the government doesn't regard the US use of Shannon as being in breach of our neutrality.
The Minister was also asked whether arms could be brought through Shannon, and why planes aren't inspected to assure this isn't the case.
He re-iterated the state's position that it accepts the assurances of a 'friendly nation' in good faith.
The Minister also addressed claims that Shannon could be targeted by terrorists, because of its link with the US military.
While not responding directly to reports that this could be the case, he did play down any suggestions of a safety risk there.
The cross-party Oireachtas Petitions Committee is continuing its probe into the use of Shannon, and will likely hold one more hearing on the issue of neutrality before addressing the concerns of Shannonwatch that directly led to these hearings.
