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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 September 2026. It was answered by Louise Sandher-Jones (Labour) on Thursday, 17 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Republic of Ireland: Air Force

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 8 September 2026, to question 23117 on Air Force: Republic of Ireland, whether the Royal Air Force defends the airspace of the Republic of Ireland.

Answer

The UK and Ireland work closely together on shared security challenges under the refreshed UK-Ireland Defence Memorandum of Understanding which prioritises cooperation in the air, cyber, and maritime domains. However, the UK is not responsible for defending the airspace of Ireland, and matters relating to the defence of Ireland remain for the Irish Government.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
28484
Session
2026-27
Related items
Republic of Ireland: Air Force
Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects
Air force Republic of Ireland Airspace
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk