Foreign Naval Vessels

Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 December 2016

Friday, 16 December 2016

Questions (244)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

244. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the circumstances surrounding the docking of a submarine at Horgan's Quay in Cork at the beginning of November, observed during the first weekend of November 2016; the country of origin; the reason for which it docked; the purpose of its journey; if it was part of a NATO operation; if there were armed guards on board and-or on the quay; if permission was granted for this docking in our waters; if so, by whom; the attached conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40495/16]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

In response to a request from the Embassy of the Netherlands, my Department granted permission for a visit by the Dutch naval submarine, HNLMS Bruinvis, to visit the port of Cork from 4-7 November 2016. The purpose of the visit was crew rest and relaxation.

Permission for the visit was sought and granted in accordance with Ireland’s longstanding policy that visiting naval vessels not carry nuclear weapons and not engage in military exercises while in Irish territorial waters. In addition, in accordance with Irish naval protocol, it is customary practice that vessels only bear the flag of the country of the vessel and/or the Irish flag when visiting Ireland. All visiting naval vessels are advised accordingly.

Routine courtesy visits by naval vessels to foreign ports are a regular feature of international relations and help to further bilateral ties between friendly nations. Permission was granted in this case in consideration of the deep ties of friendship between Ireland and the Netherlands.

Security arrangements for such visits are a matter for An Garda Síochána with whom my Department consults before granting permission for naval visits.