Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
123. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the number of known unauthorised incursions into Irish territorial waters by military vessels of other States during each of the years 2022, 2023 and 2024; if such matters have been raised with the States concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3406/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, for security and operational reasons it would not be appropriate to comment on specific details that are held by the military authorities in relation to same. It is important to note that The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) allows for all vessels, including military vessels, to transit through the territorial waters of coastal states when conducting innocent passage (as defined by art. 19 of UNCLOS).
Furthermore, naval vessels are permitted to conduct exercises outside of territorial waters in a country’s Exclusive Economic Zone so long as this does not unduly interfere with the Coastal State. This is not an infringement of our national territory. Any 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.
