Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Defence Forces routinely monitor foreign vessels with both Naval Service assets and Air Corps maritime patrol aircraft, as well as remote monitoring on a 24/7 basis from the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline. It should be noted that foreign vessels transiting Irish waters must do so in compliance with international law and may be subject to sighting and observation by the Naval Service and Air Corps without their innocent passage being infringed.

The conduct of surveillance activities by the Defence Forces is an operational matter, details of which are not disclosed for security reasons. The Military authorities provide regular assessments, reports and briefings to me as Minister for Defence and to officials of my Department as appropriate. These assessments, by their nature, are confidential.