Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
170. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of unsanctioned Russian vessels that have been identified to date in 2026 in Irish waters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12003/26]
View answerThe Deputy will appreciate that, for operational and security reasons, it would not be appropriate to disclose specific details regarding the monitoring and surveillance operations carried out by the Defence Forces.
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, without their innocent passage being infringed.
