16 Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of visits to ports authorised in 1999 by vessels of the British Royal Navy; the purpose and location of those visits; if any of the vessels were equipped with nuclear weapons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25469/99]

To date in 1999, authorisation has been given for 18 British Royal Navy vessels to visit ports in this jurisdiction. I will be happy to furnish the Deputy with this information in tabular form.

These visits have formed part of the usual pattern of goodwill visits and routine calls by foreign naval vessels to ports in this jurisdiction.

In the case of all visits, it has been the policy of successive Governments to grant permission for visits by naval vessels provided that they do not form part of a naval exercise and that they are not carrying nuclear weapons.

Visits by British Royal Navy Vessels in 1999