asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of nuclear powered-nuclear capable vessels which have been granted permission to visit Irish ports within the last ten years; the type of visit these vessels were on, the criteria which are used in deciding whether to grant permission to these vessels; and whether it is necessary to ensure that these vessels are observing the guidelines as laid down by the Government in so far as whether they are carrying any nuclear, biological or chemical weapons.
Written Answers. - Nuclear Powered Vessels.
63.
It is the policy of the Government not to grant permission to nuclear-powered vessels or to vessels which are carrying nuclear weapons to visit Irish ports. The Government take steps to ensure that these requirements are met and, accordingly, permission has not been granted for any such visits.
The Government also ensure that ships entering our ports comply with certain safety requirements. In accordance with these requirements visits by ships carrying biological or chemical weapons which might pose a hazard to the population are not permitted.