Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

343. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Irish Naval Service monitors the presence of naval vessels from other countries off Irish shores; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42159/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Defence Forces routinely monitor vessels within the Irish EEZ, utilising both Naval Service and Air Corps assets. In addition to at-sea patrols, the Naval Operations Command Centre in Haulbowline carries out remote monitoring of the Irish EEZ on a 24/7 basis.

All vessels transiting Irish waters must do so in compliance with international law. Any vessels present in our EEZ may be subject to sighting and observation by the Naval Service and Air Corps. Such actions on the part of the Defence Forces may occur without their innocent passage being infringed.