Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 16 Dec 1981

Vol. 331 No. 11

Written Answers. - Russian Survey Ship.

318.

asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that a Russian survey ship has been operating off our southern coast; if he is satisfied that its activities are not of a military or subversive nature; the general area of its operations; the length of time it has been in the area; and if the Government were officially informed of its presence.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Professor Dooge)

There have been no recent research cruises in Irish territorial waters by government-owned vessels from the Soviet Union.

In responding to requests from foreign Embassies for research cruises in Irish waters my Department takes all possible steps to ensure that these vessels engage only in activities for which permission is sought.

In addition government-owned vessels from several contries, including the Soviet Union, frequently visit Irish ports to replenish supplies. As a matter of courtesy my Department is always notified by the Embassy concerned. During the course of 1981 several Soviet vessels called at Irish ports and in all cases my Department was notified well in advance of such visits.

Barr
Roinn