asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on foreign vessels which carry nuclear equipment, stopping at Irish ports for service or courtesy calls; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Visits by Foreign Vessels.
37.
Foreign naval vessels wishing to visit Irish ports require the permission of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Visits to Irish ports of other vessels are not a matter for my Department.
Permission for a foreign naval vessel to visit an Irish port will normally be granted provided the vessel satisfies certain conditions, including that it must not be carrying nuclear weapons. This has been the policy of successive Irish Governments. It is the intention of the Government to maintain this policy and to refuse permission to any foreign naval vessel which is carrying such weapons.
Any other such items on board such vessels that may warrant particular consideration would be the subject of careful examination by my Department, in consultation as necessary with other relevant Government Departments, with the objective of ensuring that their presence is acceptable to us.