Independent TDs Clare Daly and Mick Wallace admitted in court to scaling a perimeter fence and entering an exclusion zone at Shannon airport, which they said they did in order to uphold international law.

They said they were asked by former Tánaiste and Justice Minister Eamon Gilmore and Alan Shatter, to go and get evidence of allegations of US military flights bringing arms through the airport on their way to areas of conflict.

John Lannon, a member of anti-war group Shannonwatch said a secret cable, released by Wikileaks, alleged that Dermot Ahern had disclosed, while minister for foreign affairs, "that he was quite convinced" US military torture flights were using Shannon Airport.

Mr Lannon said Gardai have ignored "two wheel-barrow loads" of evidence of allegations of such activity.

Deputy Daly said the Gardai were turning a blind eye to weaponry been brought through the airport. She said because of this, "planes and airport workers are at risk".

She said Shannon Airport is "a key cog in a US military machine".

The trial was adjourned to April 15th when a date will be set for a decision in the case.