Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
147. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the presence of a Russian submarine positioned directly outside the entrance of Cork harbour; how he was alerted to the presence of same; the engagements he had on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56420/23]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to recent media reports in this regard.
The Naval Service and Air Corps carry out ongoing Maritime Defence and Security Operations within Irish territorial waters and the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone. These operations have not observed any submarine activity in the vicinity of Cork Harbour as referenced by the Deputy.
International law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) allows for all vessels to transit through another state’s territorial waters when conducting innocent passage (as defined by Article 19 of UNCLOS). For submarines, innocent passage must be conducted on the surface, with the flag of nationality on display (Article 20 UNCLOS). Any vessels transiting Irish waters must do so in compliance with international law and may be subject to sighting and observation by the Naval Service and Air Corps without their innocent passage being infringed.
Infringement of these obligations under international law would be a serious matter and would be addressed by the Government accordingly.
