Defence

Ireland not relying on UK air force to ‘patrol’ Irish skies - Martin

The Tánaiste said that reports of an air space defence deal between Ireland and the UK were inaccurate

Tánaiste Micheál Martin

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said that Ireland is not relying on the RAF, and insisted that the British air force does not “patrol” Irish skies.

Martin was responding to reports that there was a long-standing defence deal between the UK and Irish governments involving the RAF and Irish air space.

Speaking to the media before addressing a group representing Irish soldiers, the Tánaiste claimed the report was not accurate “in terms of interdiction”.

“I believe ...