Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2019
72. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the case of a vessel entering Irish waters recently carrying nuclear waste material and a Naval Service vessel being sent out in consequence of the incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11242/19]
View answer73. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if vessels carrying nuclear waste material approaching Irish waters are monitored; and if so, the number recorded in the past five years. [11243/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 73 together.
I wish to advise the Deputy that the primary day to day role of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union.
When on patrol Naval Service vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that they also undertake general surveillance of vessels operating through, or close, to the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), security and other duties.
As the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate to comment on specific operational matters, however, I am advised that, to date in 2019, the Naval Service is aware of three vessels with the potential to carry nuclear waste material transiting through or close to the Irish EEZ.
