Ireland maintains a secret arrangement dating back to the 1950s allowing the UK to police the Republic’s airspace despite concerns about the deal being repeatedly raised by ministers and military officers, The Irish Times has learned in an investigation by crime and security correspondent Conor Gallagher.
One impact of the deal is that the Irish Air Corps is seriously under-equipped for 21st century protection with aircraft not fit for purpose - the unspoken rationale as a result of this secret deal being: why should we bother spending on our Air Corps when the RAF does the job for us.
Retired Air Corps captain Kevin Phipps explains the view from the cockpit on the deal; while Gallagher reveals details of the agreement and the moves - in the High Court - now being made to question why it still exists. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.
