Coastal Protection

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022

Tuesday, 15 February 2022

Ceisteanna (956)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

956. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the dates on which his Department was informed in the past 20 years of military exercises being carried out in Ireland's exclusive economic zone by foreign navies above and below the sea; the size of such exercises; the duration of each; the country or countries that were involved; if Ireland responded to a request in this regard; if the Irish fishing fleet was given advance warning by his Department of such manoeuvres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7932/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

As Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, I do not have responsibility for the monitoring of military exercises by foreign navies in Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone, neither is there requirement for such exercises to be notified to my Department.  The Minister for Defence is responsible for matters relating to the Naval Service.  Responsibility for marine safety comes within the remit of the Minister for Transport.