Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 20: To ask the Minister for Defence the role of the Defence Forces in monitoring the passage of a nuclear shipment (details supplied) to Cherbourg in France; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24280/04]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Primary responsibility for maritime protection lies with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. When requested by the Irish Coast Guard, the Naval Service and the maritime squadron of the Air Corps provide such services as may be necessary in an aid to the civil authority role. The Naval Service, as the primary seagoing agency of the State, also monitors activity generally in the Irish exclusive economic zone and has specific responsibility for fisheries protection, which accounts for over 90% of Naval Service output.

In the case in question, the Coast Guard requested the Naval Service and the maritime squadron of the Air Corps to monitor the shipment. A number of flights carried out by the maritime squadron did not locate the shipment in Irish waters. Ships transiting through waters outside the 12 mile limit have the right of innocent passage.