Following are details relating to foreign naval vessels which have visited Irish ports since July 1998.
In terms of planned visits for the remainder of 1999, requests have been received in my Department for diplomatic clearance for the French naval vessels, the Comdt. L'Herminier and the Sterne to visit Cork during October 1999. A request has been received for diplomatic clearance for the British vessel HMS Leeds Castle to also visit Cork in October. A request has also been received for diplomatic clearance for the Dutch naval vessel, the HNLMS Tromp, to visit Dublin in October 1999.
Visits by foreign naval vessels can arise either at the request of the state in question or at the invitation of the Irish authorities, for example, in the case of festivals or commemorative events. In all such cases, 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. All of the states concerned are fully aware of these conditions.
Foreign Naval Visits – 1998