Foreign naval vessels in Irish waters
Members challenged the lack of limits or prior-notification procedures for foreign naval vessels, citing an alleged UK vessel crossing Irish territorial waters. The Minister said he knew of no incursion, confirmed the matter was under investigation, and denied government tardiness, but offered few details.
Is the Minister aware that the public are not happy about the accepted position here, to allow naval vessels from other countries to enter not alone our outer limits but our closer territorial waters without objection, and that this position is not acceptable? Have the Government any intention to impose certain limits against such intrusion?
Comment on this
The peace-time function of our Naval Service is to assist in patrolling the territorial seas. In regard to naval patrols, that would be the three-mile limit. For fishery protection that would be extended to 200 miles. It would be practically impossible to patrol the fishery limits, but within the limitations of what we have we are doing quite a good job.
Comment on this
The procedures in relation to the overflying by military aircraft are asgreed, established and known between the UK and our Government. Why is not a similar procedure applied in relation to naval vessels of the UK? Why is this not applied equally?
Comment on this
I do not have that information. I thought we were dealing with matters subterranean.
Comment on this
Surely the Minister is aware that there is a long established and clearly agreed procedure of prior notification by the UK Government when they intend to overfly the territory of the Irish Republic. That intention is notified well in advance and permission is granted by the Government. Why is that procedure not applied with similar force in relation to naval vessels in Irish territorial waters?
Comment on this
Is the Minister aware that the vessel in question transversed Irish territorial waters?
Comment on this
Would the Minister agree that the extraordinary length of time to complete this investigation seems to show a tardiness on the part of the Government?
Comment on this
Would the Minister not regard it as extraordinary, since the Taoiseach ordered a special emergency top level investigation, that there is no information available to him or to the House?