Irish agents could soon be boarding US military aircraft landing to check for weapons

Irish agents could soon be boarding US military aircraft landing here to check for weapons when given new powers to launch secret flash raids.

The move comes after claims that these aircraft are transporting weapons and parts to be used in Israel’s war in Gaza and other conflicts.

At present there is no way the Government can prevent the US military from sending munitions and parts in planes that overfly the country through Irish airspace. There has been much criticism of the Government’s policy of taking US assurances that their aircraft are not carrying munitions for Israel.

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But the new powers will allow agents of the State to board these aircraft without notice to check for undeclared munitions.

It is understood the Government wants it to be known there would be “serious sanctions” if it is discovered the plane is carrying undeclared weapons. For years there have been allegations the system is being abused because the US knows its planes won’t be searched when they land here.

It is understood that Minister of State at the Department of Transport James Lawless wants to send out the message this situation has changed.

A source said: “Minister Lawless will be pushing fellow ministers to get the new powers agreed which will modernise the way inspections and checks of planes flying over Irish airspace are carried out.” As recently as this week The Ditch website revealed the US used commercial aircraft to fly munitions in Irish airspace bound for Israel.

The Government has come under huge political pressure to act to prevent any weaponry crossing over Irish skies on the way to war zones.

Documents published by The Ditch clearly show that munitions, including parts for the Israeli planes killing civilians in Gaza and Lebanon, are being flown through here on a regular basis.

But limited powers in legislation mean the Irish authorities are relatively powerless to act if no munitions are declared. It is believed the new Munitions of War memo is being prepared for Cabinet, which could be approved by ministers tomorrow.

This will be known under the acronym SSS, which stands for Search, Sanction and Sample. Friendly countries such as the US are obliged to declare regular plane cargo that could contain munitions or similar freight. A system is in place where they can get an exemption in limited circumstances.

There are different rules for designated military flights but it is believed that system is being flouted.

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