Vol. 469 No. 2
55 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the verifications procedures used by his Department to ensure that visiting naval ships to Irish ports are not carrying nuclear weapons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17106/96]
It has been the policy of successive Governments to grant permission for visits by naval vessels provided that they do not form part of a naval exercise and that they are not carrying nuclear weapons. The requesting authorities are made well aware of our policy and practice in this regard. Before granting permission the Government, through contact with the appropriate authorities, satisfies itself that these conditions are understood and complied with.
