Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
107. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the measures being taken to protect critical infrastructure in Ireland’s exclusive economic zone and territorial waters; the assistance that has been sought from other states or multilateral organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2627/25]
View answerA key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government. The Defence Forces are at the forefront of safeguarding Ireland’s maritime interests, including the protection of critical infrastructure.
The Naval Service routinely carry out maritime defence and security operations (MDSO) within Irish territorial waters and the EEZ. The main tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU, however any Naval Service patrol should be viewed as a multi-faceted activity which can involve tasks including drug interdiction, search and rescue and maritime surveillance.
The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron carries out aerial monitoring of the Irish EEZ. Two C295 maritime patrol aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment were delivered to the Air Corps in 2023 to replace the CASA CN235 aircraft. These aircraft considerably upgrade our surveillance capabilities.
In addition to at-sea patrols, the Naval Operations Command Centre located at Naval Base Haulbowline is staffed twenty four hours a day, seven days a week by qualified Naval Service personnel. These staff carry out monitoring and surveillance of all vessels equipped with a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) that are operating in and adjacent to the Irish EEZ.
My Department advises that it is not the practice to comment on specific operational matters. As the Deputy will appreciate both my Department and the Defence Forces engage on a collaborate basis with other agencies where matters of mutual concern arise . To this end, Ireland sees the value in member states’ national maritime activities voluntarily feeding into greater European Union co-operation and adding value where possible. Ireland has availed of opportunities provided by our membership of the European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy in this regard, and is actively participating in the EU’s PESCO (Permanent Structure Cooperation) project on Critical Seabed Infrastructure Protection. This project aims to enhance the operational efficiency of protecting critical maritime infrastructure. Joining this project contributes to Ireland strengthening its capabilities in safeguarding subsea infrastructure, thereby increasing its security and resilience.
