Vol. 367 No. 5
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made any representation to the nuclear powers regarding the passage of nuclear submarines through the Irish Sea, in view of the possible threat to Irish citizens from accidents involving nuclear submarines; in particular, if he will seek international agreement that nuclear submarines, when passing through busy sea lanes, such as the Irish Sea, should travel on the surface; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
21.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to get information from the United States authorities concerning accidents involving United States' nuclear submarines, one of which occurred in the Irish Sea.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 21 together.
I asked the United States authorities to provide the fullest possible information on the reported grounding of a US nuclear submarine, the USS Nathaniel Greene, in the Irish Sea. According to this information, the submarine went aground at more than 16 nautical miles distance from the Irish coast on 13 March last. Its hull was not punctured and it managed to free itself and to proceed under its own power to the Scottish port of Holy Loch.
As regards the conduct of nuclear submarines in the Irish Sea, the Deputy will be aware that, in accordance with the provisions of international law, submarines are obliged to travel on the surface and show their flag only when within territorial waters. The Government have initiated efforts at the International Maritime Organisation aimed at reducing the dangers to fishing vessels from submarines.
