Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, I asked the Taoiseach about the Russian naval exercises off our coast that is planned for early next month. He did not answer my question, so I will ask him today. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, who is also the Minister for Defence, is sitting beside him. This is a serious matter for Ireland. We all know what is going on in Europe at the moment. We heard clearly the concerns of our fishermen in the south west about the impact that the exercises could have. Mr. Patrick Murphy, whom I spoke to yesterday and is the CEO of the Irish South and West Fish Producer's Organisation, outlined fishermen's intention to hold a peaceful protest. I was very taken by the Tánaiste saying while he was interviewed earlier today that he accepted this as well as everyone's right to protest. If there was a protest outside Leinster House, An Garda Síochána would observe it. Are plans being put in place for the Irish Naval Service to observe this protest and how many ships have we available at this moment in time if we intended to do so?

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