Social Democrats ask EU anti-fraud watchdog to probe failure to inspect Shannon flights

Irish Examiner

17-06-2025

The Social Democrats have called on the EU's anti-fraud watchdog to investigate the failure to inspect flights at Shannon Airport.
In a letter to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), Gary Gannon TD said Ireland's refusal to inspect private or military aircraft landing at Shannon may be "systematically undermining" EU customs and Vat obligations.
The director general at OLAF was told the lack of inspection opens the door to potential abuse by private operators trying to avoid Vat by routing through Ireland. Mr Gannon wrote:
This is not a theoretical concern. It may also have significant implications for the integrity of the EU Vat system and the fair functioning of the internal market.
Senator Patricia Stephenson, who also wrote to OLAF, highlighted concerns that flights into Shannon may be "facilitating Israel's genocidal war in Gaza".
"There is credible evidence that military contractors and private aircraft carrying dual-use goods — goods that can be used in weapons systems — are moving through Irish airspace and Irish territory en route to Israel," said Ms Stephenson.
Both Ms Stephenson and Mr Gannon have also written to the Attorney General seeking legal clarity on the Government's positions for non-inspection of flights.
Raising the matter in the Dáil, Mr Gannon said: "The moral failure speaks for itself, but we are potentially in breach of EU Vat enforcement rules, which raises serious questions."
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the Government fulfils its legal obligations when it comes to the inspection of flights.
"In respect of aviation, there are international conventions that the Government and all governments have to adhere to regarding inspections or state flights, for example, as opposed to commercial flights.
"The Government is adhering to and observing those obligations," said Mr Martin.