asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of the number of incidents in the Irish Sea in recent years apparently involving submarines, he considers the equipment available in the Irish Naval Service adequate for monitoring the movement of submarines.

In accordance with international law, submarines within territorial waters are required to navigate on the surface and to show their flag. The incidents to which the Deputy refers took place a considerable distance outside Irish territorial waters.

Naval Service vessels are fitted with appropriate equipment for the surveillance of Irish territorial waters.

Would the Minister tell us if his Department have made any representations concerning the incidents which arose in the Irish Sea? Is there any arrangement to ensure that the convention he referred to is being complied with? Clearly the submarines which were involved in the incidents were not travelling on the surface?

I said that submarines within territorial waters are required to navigate on the surface. The incidents to which the Deputy refers took place outside Irish territorial waters. Making representations in connection with those incidents would not be a matter for my Department. I understand the relevant Department have made representations.