Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
106. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces monitor naval exercises by other countries off the Irish coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34149/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. The main day-to-day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union, the Naval Service also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks.
From a Defence Organisation perspective, the Naval Service and the Air Corps currently patrol the entire 200 mile limit in respect of sea fisheries protection and periodically patrol beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary including coastal areas. Naval Service vessels are multi-tasked in that they undertake general surveillance, security and other duties such as search and rescue, diving operations, drugs interdiction among others.
The Fisheries Monitoring Centre (FMC) located at Naval Base Haulbowline carries out monitoring and surveillance of all vessels equipped with a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) that are operating in and adjacent to the Irish EEZ.
Naval Service patrols are complimented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out regular aerial surveillance of our EEZ using the CASA maritime patrol aircraft.
In a military context, under international law other State's naval ships or vessels are within their rights to carry out a training exercise in Ireland's EEZ or to traverse the Irish EEZ. Should another State's naval vessel seek to enter inside Ireland's Territorial Waters, inside 12 nautical miles, then diplomatic clearance must be requested via the Department of Foreign Affairs.
