asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give an assurance that warships from other states visiting Ireland, or proposing to visit Ireland in the next 12 months will not carry nuclear weapons; the steps he has taken to ensure that no such weapons are on board; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Nuclear Weapons on Foreign Vessels.
31.
It has been the policy of successive Governments to grant permission for visits to Irish ports by foreign naval vessels provided that such visits do not form part of a naval exercise and that the vessels are not carrying nuclear weapons. The Department of Foreign Affairs ensure that countries which seek permission for visits by their naval vessels to an Irish port are aware of these and any other conditions relating to shipping laid down from time to time. The Government are confident that existing arrangements are adequate to ensure that the conditions laid down are upheld.