The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has confirmed that Air Force One carrying US President George W Bush flew through Irish airspace yesterday evening but clearance was not given for a US Airforce escort.
Air Force One, a modified Boeing 747-200B, is armed but exact details are classified. However, it is known to carry anti-aircraft missiles and missile interceptors.
Clearance for two Boeing aircraft flying 30 minutes apart en route to Britain for Mr Bush's official visit was given by the IAA. When Air Force One flies an identical plane flies in close proximity as a decoy.
Mr Bush's aerial entourage is reported to include a third chartered Boeing and fighter jets but the Department of Foreign Affairs has refused to give details of Air Force One's over-flight and clearance for fighter planes was not given by the IAA.
A Lockheed C141 Starlifter usually carries the security equipment used for Mr Bush's ground security during a foreign visit. A specially converted Black Hawk helicopter and 20 armoured vehicles are known to have been shipped to Britain but clearance for cargo plane of this nature was also not given.
The charter Boeing is likely to have contained at least some of the 250 armed secret service agents, along with advisers and White House aides.
A special 10-mile exclusion zone around Mr Bush's flights is in operation in Britain but the IAA said there were no special exclusions for the US president's flight.
Green Party Foreign Affairs spokesman, Mr John Gormley was critical of the Government's refusal to give details of Mr Bush's over-flight.
"This is a continuation of the lies we've been told before about the military use of Shannon. It is quite clear that jet fighters were in Irish airspace," Mr Gormely said.
The Green Party TD said he would raise the matter in the Dáil tomorrow.