Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
169. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Defence if she is satisfied that the Defence Forces have been properly resourced to adequately defend key defence ports and monitor vessels passing through Irish territorial waters; if she will outline the operational capabilities currently in place to support this function; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12484/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Defence, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future. The Defence Forces keep their operational plans and response capabilities under constant review.
The Naval Service is the State's principal sea-going agency tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. While the main daily tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU, it also carries out a number of other non-fishery related tasks including maritime surveillance, drug interdiction, search and rescue, maritime defence and security operations (MDSO).
The Defence Forces routinely monitor activity 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.
The Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight vessels. Four of the vessels are regularly deployed on Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO). These four vessels consist of three P60 class vessels as well as the LÉ Aoibhinn (P71) with all four vessels conducting patrols on a rotation basis.
The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron also carry out aerial surveillance of the Irish EEZ using C295 maritime patrol aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment.
