asked the Minister for Defence if he is aware that ships of the Royal Navy were in the vicinity of Wicklow bay on the 29th April, 1972; and if he will make a statement on the matter in view of the fact that these ships were inside Irish territorial waters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Infringement of Territorial Waters.
85.
I understand that, on the date in question, a number of naval vessels were seen by local people off Wicklow. From inquiries made by my Department it would appear that the vessels were outside the territorial waters of this country.
Were navigational checks taken or did people depend on their eyesight?
There is only one thing to do and that is to board them.
An inquiry was made in Wicklow from a responsible person as to his opinion of the location of the vessels and he expressed the view that they were outside territorial waters.
He had good eyesight.
If there is the slightest doubt, will the Minister ensure that a protest is made?
At present we do not entertain any doubts as to the location of the vessels.
If they had been within territorial waters, would it have been possible to board them?
That is a hypothetical question.