Latest news with #NavalService
RTÉ News
24-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
EU sanctions envoy says Ireland must 'beef up' Naval Service
The European Union's Sanctions Envoy has said Ireland needs to make significant improvements to its Naval Service in order to better monitor its maritime zone and address the ongoing movement of sanctioned Russian vessels off the west coast. David O'Sullivan told RTÉ that Ireland "really needs to beef up our capacity and patrol and police our territorial waters," and described the Naval Service as in "poor shape." Mr O'Sullivan, a former EU Ambassador to the United States, is now responsible for trying to stop Russia's attempts to evade European sanctions which are designed to cut off funding for its war in Ukraine. Earlier RTÉ reported that vessels belonging to Russia's so called 'shadow fleet' regularly transited through the Irish maritime Exclusive Economic Zone – a large area extending into the Atlantic off the west coast which is the site of major undersea cables and shipping lanes. The shadow fleet vessels are used to help Russia export oil and circumvent oil price caps imposed as part of western sanctions. Asked about what Ireland could do to help tackle the activities of shadow fleet vessels off Ireland, Mr O'Sullivan said "unfortunately I think the Irish Naval Serice is not equipped to be able to deal with this at the present time". There are "many reasons" why the Irish naval service needs to be revamped, he said, adding the shadow fleet is a "new imperative to which Ireland will have to respond." Non-military vessels – including sanctioned vessels – can legally transit through an EEZ but are required to have the correct insurance in place when moving through certain areas, including busy shipping lanes like those off the west coast. However, analysts say the vessels in the Russian shadow fleet are typically poorly maintained and lack proper insurance. 'Shadow fleet' vessels have also conducted activities considered risky at sea, including turning off location transponders and conducting ship-to-ship oil transfers. The data reported earlier by RTÉ showed that some 245 shadow fleet vessels passed through Ireland's maritime Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) more than 450 times so far this year. The figures were provided by maritime intelligence company Windward which uses satellite imagery and AI technology to spot, analyse and monitor ships, including those which turn their transponders off. Windward's data included information on routes taken through the Irish EEZ by 72 vessels which have been directly named on sanctions lists. Experts have warned that the movement through Irish waters of shadow fleet vessels poses a serious environmental risk and undermines international efforts to isolate Russia's energy sector which is used to fund the country's war in Ukraine. David O'Sullivan accepted there "would, in any event, be limits to what the naval service could do," to a non-military vessel within an EEZ, before adding "but obviously this pleads, yet again, our vulnerability to this kind of activity, to the risks to undersea cables, and the fact that we really need to beef up our capacity and patrol and police our territorial waters." He said the European Union wants to stop the transit of these shadow fleet vessels but said it is a difficult task to completely stop their transit. "Member states are tightening their controls. The UK has done that through the English Channel" he said. "I think what is now happening in the Irish case, is that the Russian ships are going around the coast of Ireland into Ireland's economic zone, but not our territorial waters, and escaping the kind of checks say in the Baltic Sea.... or that the British are doing, of asking to see proof of the insurance." Asked about its monitoring of 'shadow fleet' activity within the Irish EEZ, the Defence Forces said: "While it is our policy not to comment on specific operational matters, all relevant information gathered in support of Maritime Domain Awareness is shared in a timely manner with the appropriate national and international authorities. "The Defence Forces, through the deployment of Naval Service and Air Corps assets, maintains a continuous presence and vigilance within Ireland's maritime domain. We monitor all activity within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as part of our routine operations to ensure the security and integrity of our waters."
Irish Examiner
18-07-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Just two new navy officers commissioned — but 11 cadets are currently in officer training
Just two new navy officers received their commissions on Friday, the joint lowest figure since the early 1990s. In the intervening years it hasn't been unusual for there to be 10-plus officers at a time passing out from cadet classes. There were initially five who signed up for the latest cadet class, but three left before completing it. Newly-commissioned officers Oisín Anderson and Martin McHale — coincidentally, both from Co Sligo — received their commissions at the Naval Base in Haulbowline in Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan However, on a more positive note, 11 cadets are currently undergoing officer training and interviews are now ongoing for the next intake. Both of the newly-commissioned officers are, coincidentally, from Co Sligo. One of them, Oisín Anderson, who is engaged to Helena Parkes, also from Sligo, should have no problems organising the couple's big day — before he joined the navy he worked as a wedding and events manager. Helena said that the couple met during covid 'doing outdoor dating' and got engaged last Christmas Eve. Minister of state Jerry Buttimer TD shares a light moment with Commodore Michael Molone, flag officer commanding Naval Service, and newly-commissioned officers Oisín Anderson and Martin McHale at the commissioning ceremony in Haulbowline, Cork, on Friday. Picture: Dan Linehan However, they haven't yet set a date for tying the knot as both of them are concentrating on their careers. Helena previously worked as wedding co-ordinator but is currently working in Dublin. She said their separation between Dublin and Haulbowline due to work commitments 'will only make the heart grow fonder'. Oisín, 25, grew up in Sligo town and holds an honours degree in human resource management from Atlantic Technological University Sligo. He has a keen interest in automotive engineering, weightlifting and travel. Family and friends watch the commissioning ceremony of the 63rd Cadet Class at the Naval Base, Haulbowline, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan His fellow officer, Martin McHale, 22, who comes from Enniscrone, Co Sligo, knows a thing or two about other countries: Before joining up, he worked for a while as a civil servant with the Department of Foreign Affairs. After leaving school, Martin worked for a year with the department liaising with Irish diplomats who were working abroad. He said he was mainly involved in logistical support for them. Minister of state Jerry Buttimer, deputising for defence minister Simon Harris, inspecting the guard of honour at the commissioning ceremony of the 63rd Cadet Class at the Naval Base, Haulbowline, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan 'I have a cousin in the army, Captain Ben Moran, who is based at McKee Barracks in Dublin,' Martin said. He has a deep interest in Irish history, photography, and fitness. Flag Officer commanding the Naval Service Commodore, Michael Malone, told the two newly-commissioned officers that 'leadership requires lifelong study and experiential learning and to practice it requires skill, reflection and imagination.' He said that, during their training, all these requirements had proven to be well within their ability. It was the first time that Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy attended a commissioning ceremony at the naval base in Haulbowline in his capacity as the new Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. Newly-commissioned officers Oisín Anderson and Martin McHale throw their hats in the air after the commissioning ceremony of the 63rd Cadet Class at the Naval Base, Haulbowline, Cork. Picture Dan Linehan Normally such commissioning ceremonies are attended by the minister for defence, but Simon Harris was unavailable due to prior commitments. Instead, the Government was represented by the minister of State for rural and community development, the Gaeltacht, and Department of Transport, Jerry Buttimer. He presented the two new officers, who were in the 63rd cadet class, with their commissioning certificates. Standing for the national anthem during the commissioning ceremony of the 63rd Cadet Class at the Naval Base, Haulbowline, Cork. Picture: Dan Linehan Mr Buttimer also paid tribute to Commodore Malone who is due to retire as head of the navy before the end of this year. The two cadets gained valuable experience onboard navy ships and commenced their first year of academic study for a Bachelor of Science in Nautical Science at the nearby National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) in Ringaskiddy.
Irish Times
14-07-2025
- Irish Times
‘It was like a scene from an action movie': How Ireland's biggest drug bust unfolded
The seizure of the MV Matthew, with its massive consignment of drugs, off the Irish coast in September 2023 was as daring as it was skilful. After days of a cat and mouse chase in challenging weather between the Naval Service and the Matthew, members of the elite Army Ranger Wing descended from a helicopter on to the deck of the cargo ship. The crew were arrested and the drugs found. Operation Piano – which brought Revenue, the Garda and the Defence Forces together – resulted in Ireland's largest ever drugs seizure, worth €156 million. While the operation was an undoubted success, a showcase of ability, power and intent, it also highlighted how ill-equipped the Defence Forces are. READ MORE Only one ship was available for the operation, and only one helicopter. So many things could have gone wrong. Eight men have been jailed over the drugs seizure, their significant sentences a signal from the Irish courts that anyone involved in such international drug smuggling will be treated severely. Irish Times crime and security correspondent Conor Gallagher describes how the Matthew was intercepted and seized. Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey.
The Journal
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
TD calls for 'Russian' replica sailing ship to be removed from Irish waters off Dublin
LAST UPDATE | 2 hrs ago Sailing ship The Shtandart opposite Dalkey Island this afternoon Eamonn Farrell / Eamonn Farrell / / THIS MORNING Irish authorities have officially contacted a controversial sail training vessel which is suspected of links to the Russian Government. The Shtandart is a replica of a ship built in 1703 by Peter the Great, a Russian Tsar – she is currently visible at anchor off the village of Killiney in south County Dublin. It was built in 1999 and sails under the flag of the Cook Islands but campaigners have claimed it is a Russian operated sail training vessel. It is understood that the Naval Service hailed the vessel this morning and asked what are its intentions. All Russian ships are banned from entering EU ports due to sanctions that were imposed on Russian vessels shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The vessel has no permission to land in Ireland. Her destination, as entered on a ship tracking system, is listed as Dundee in Scotland – she has sailed up from France. 8.7.2025 1:15pm TS Shtandart 🇨🇰 | Hawk Cliff | Killiney Bay | 🇮🇪. • View from Vico Road, Dalkey. • View from dlr Killiney Hill Park. @PhotosOfDublin — Don Sheahan (@SheahanDon) July 8, 2025 Controversy The presence of the vessel has caused some controversy and Fine Gael TD Barry Ward, who is from Dún Laoghaire, has called on the Minister Timmy Dooley, the Minister for State for the Marine, to intervene and have the ship removed. 'These EU sanctions were put in place in reaction to the appalling atrocities carried out by Vladimir Putin and his administration and if we are to be serious about their implementation, we must adhere to them. 'In recent weeks, this ship was banned from entering a number of French ports including Saint-Malo, which will be familiar to many Irish holidaymakers. Going back further, there is an extensive list of European ports that have blocked or sought to block this vessel from entering their waters. 'The formal EU sanctions against Russia are clear and while the Shtandart operates under a Cook Islands flag, this has only been the case since June 2024 and previously sailed under a Russian flag. European Union sanctions introduced a port ban on Russia-flagged vessels, and those reflagged after the invasion of Ukraine, in April 2022,' he said. Advertisement Ward said that the ship is permitted to transit through Irish waters but said there is a 'legal grey area'. 'This ship has a history of declaring false emergencies in order to gain extended access to European ports. 'This includes medical emergency declarations (which would allow it to seek safe harbour) but this must not be allowed to happen in Dún Laoghaire or Dublin. 'The European commission has specifically clarified that this vessel falls under the scope of the sanctions and these sanctions must be upheld,' he added. Ward added that he has written to the Minister and said that the captain of the ship is showing 'clear disregard for EU sanctions and this arrogance and perception of impunity cannot be permitted'. Speaking to RTE News the Captain of the vessel Vladimir Martus said that the attention his ship was facing was 'unfair'. 'We are against what Putin is doing and nobody on this ship has ever expressed support for Russia. 'The Shtandart is simply a replica vessel. We are not a Russian vessel. Shtandart is, and always has been, dedicated to education, heritage, and human connection. We are a homeless child in European waters, and we are fighting for survival,' he told RTE. State response A statement a spokesperson for the Department of Transport confirmed it was monitoring the ship 'on an administrative basis' to ensure it is in compliance with EU's 'restrictive measures against Russia'. 'The Department is aware of the movements of the vessel known as Shtandart. It should be noted that the vessel has not entered a pre-arrival notice for entry into an Irish port which is required under EU regulations. 'From the information available to the Department through third party sources it is understood that the vessel was previous registered under the Russian flag and would fall under the restrictive measures. 'The Department of Transport has been in contact with ports under its remit on the east coast (Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort) to remind them of their responsibilities under EU Council Regulation 833/2014 and the prohibition on providing access to Russian registered vessels to Irish ports and locks. 'This prohibition also applies to vessels that have changed their flag or their registration from the Russian Federation to the flag or register of any other State after 24 February 2022,' the Statement said. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Letters to the Editor, July 8th: On equipping the Defence Forces, Botox, and replacing the president
Sir, – Conor Gallagher's gripping account of Operation Piano captures not only the most audacious Irish Defence Forces mission in decades, but also a quiet truth: Irish sailors, soldiers and Air Corps crews perform extraordinary feats despite systemic neglect (' Hizbullah and Iran suspected of involvement in MV Matthew smuggling operation ,' July 5th.) The daring interdiction of the MV Matthew amid Storm Agnes – with Army Ranger Wing operators rappelling on to a moving vessel in heavy swells, a lone helicopter pressed into service, and a single Naval Service ship shouldering the entire mission – should have been impossible. That it succeeded is testament to the skill, courage and sheer determination of those involved. Yet this triumph must not blind us to the wider reality. These are forces running on fumes: unable to put more than one ship to sea at a time, reliant on overstretched crews, battling chronic equipment, and recruitment and retention crises. READ MORE Ireland's neighbours know it. So, too, do malign actors, from drug cartels to Russian surveillance ships lurking near undersea cables vital to the global economy. Operation Piano should not just be a proud moment; it is a chance to inspire a new generation to serve. But recruitment campaigns must be matched by serious investment: competitive pay, modern equipment and political commitment. And let's be clear: building a modern, capable military does not compromise Ireland's traditional neutrality – and it shouldn't. This is not an 'either/or' choice; it's an 'and'. The success of this mission should galvanise a grown-up conversation about Ireland's place in an increasingly dangerous world. – Yours, etc, DAVID SWEENEY, Washington DC, United States. University fees increase proposal Sir, – I'm writing as a 51-year-old mother of three, full-time worker, taxpayer and voter, to express my deep frustration and disappointment at the Government's plan to increase third-level college fees back up to €3,000. Like so many others in my generation, we have raised our children without a modicum of State support beyond the basic children's allowance. We paid full whack for everything: childcare, creche, GP visits, dentists, school books, uniforms – you name it. There was no Early Childgood Care and Education scheme when we needed it, no free GP care, no tax reliefs worth mentioning. We paid full stamp duty on our first home, we've paid PRSI and USC since it was introduced, and we've continued to pay high income taxes throughout. We didn't qualify for any grants. No Susi. No back-to-school allowance. No medical card. Nothing. And we didn't complain – we worked hard and got on with it, trusting that at some point we'd see a bit of recognition or support. That recognition finally came in the form of the ¤1,000 reduction in college fees. It was the only tangible help we've received in 22 years of raising children. And now, just as quickly, it's being taken away. We have two children in college right now. We pay for everything – fees, rent, food, transport – and we are doing it on after-tax income with no financial assistance. It is demoralising in the extreme to be told, in effect, that once again our cohort doesn't matter. We've done everything 'right' by the State and have been left holding the bag at every stage of our parenting journey. I urge the Government to seriously reconsider the reversal of this small but meaningful relief. For many of us, this isn't just about money – it's about fairness, dignity, and the principle that people who have contributed so much to this country should not be punished for quietly getting on with things without ever asking for help. I speak not just for myself, but for countless friends, colleagues, and neighbours who feel just as let down. – Yours, etc, ANNE KEANE, Cork. Sir, – How many actual, or potential, university students spent far more than the previously allowed €1,000 reduction in fees that is not being given this year on holidays in Spain or Greece this summer? – Yours, etc, EAMONN DILLON, Farranshone, Co Limerick. Awarding HSE contracts Sir, – I find it troubling to reconcile the recent revelations concerning the HSE, specifically, that current and former employees have acted as directors of a limited company engaged in multimillion euro contracts with the very organisation they serve or once served. Having spent years in the private sector, I can perhaps just about understand how ex-employees might find themselves in such a position, though even that raises questions. But the notion that active employees of the HSE could be involved in awarding or benefiting from such contracts is, quite frankly, inconceivable. This situation raises an obvious and urgent question: were those responsible for managing these tenders, whether within the HSE or acting as its agents, fully aware of the employment relationships involved? If not, why not? If they were, even more serious concerns arise. In an era when regulatory compliance, ethical standards, and fitness and probity have been significantly tightened, it is difficult to imagine how these transactions could meet the standards required of public bodies. A full, independent inquiry is not just warranted, it is essential. – Yours etc, DAVID CASSIDY, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9. Turner, take a bow Sir, – I dislike cartoons largely because they leave me unmoved. Your cartoon (July 5th), about environmental damage jumped off the page for me. Martyn Turner, take a bow for grabbing my attention and telling me so persuasively about costs to the exchequer, the planet and US workers' predicament, no less. – Yours,etc, BERNADETTE BARRINGTON, Dublin 12. Mission impossible Sir, – After President Michael D Higgins vacates the office of Uachtaráin na hÉireann I suggest the position be stood down as a suitable candidate to replace him is an impossibility. – Yours, etc, DEREK HENRY CARR, Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1. Sir, – In order to alleviate the lethargic approach to our upcoming presidential election, why don't we do what they did in the US and vote for a monarch? – Yours, etc, DAVID CLEERE, Co Wexford. Nurses and injecting Botox Sir, – In response to the recent letter claiming that nurses are authorised to independently administer botulinum toxin under the direction of a doctor, I must clarify the legal position. On one point, we can agree: the law has not changed (Letters, July 4th). Under current Irish law, botulinum toxin-classified as a prescription-only medicine (POM) – may only be prescribed and administered by a registered medical doctor or dentist. A nurse may administer toxin only after a doctor has conducted a face-to-face consultation, assessed the patient, and formally delegated the procedure to a staff nurse within their clinical team. This is not equivalent to autonomous practice. Botox is not a cosmetic product – it is a potent neuromodulator requiring clinical oversight. In cases of adverse events such as infection, anaphylaxis, or ptosis (drooping eyelid), timely intervention with prescription medication is critical. Only a qualified prescriber can provide this level of care. Ireland, unlike many of our EU counterparts, continues to allow ambiguity in this sector. Most European countries sensibly restrict aesthetic medical procedures to doctors and dentists and formally recognise aesthetic medicine as a medical speciality. We would do well to follow their example to protect patient safety and professional standards. – Yours, etc, Dr SEAN FITZPATRICK, President of the Irish College of Aesthetic Medicine, Dublin. Sir, – On the basis that nurses are trusted by medical systems in a variety of crucial roles from ICU decision-making to palliative care, Christina O'Rourke (Letters, July 4th) suggests there is 'no valid reason to restrict' them from injecting Botox into people. I'd argue there may be. A Google search of the term 'most lethal substance' immediately identifies this toxin of Clostridium botulinum as the lead in this regard. A Wikipedia search of 'median lethal dose' puts Botox at 1 nanogram/Kg. So, given that five grams of the substance, if distributed frugally, could kill all of humanity perhaps the case to allow its more widespread injection should be more nuanced? – Yours, etc, BRIAN O'BRIEN, Co Cork. Hpat and all that Sir, – It could be argued that Carl O'Brien provides a well balanced assessment of the relative merits and demerits of private tuition for the Health Professions Admission Test (' Hpat: Can students be 'coached' to pass aptitude tests for entry to medical school? ,' July 4th). At the end of the article, I was wondering with some trepidation, whether or not I would 'pass the Hpat' so I attempted the three questions. I was much relieved there were no issues with the first and third questions, but I was left scratching my head on checking the answer to question two. Maybe my level of interpersonal understanding isn't all I thought it was. – Yours, etc, Dr MICHAEL MULHERN, Letterkenny, Co Donegal. Sir, – Brenda Morgan writes (July 4th) that as a teacher she would value neat handwriting and other factors over any extra test such as the Hpat in selecting doctors. Were this truly a requirement for entry to medical school, it is likely that only a tiny minority of current doctors would have been admitted (myself included). – Yours, etc, Dr DAVID VAUGHAN, Mornington, Meath. Sir, – Carl O'Brien's very interesting piece on the Hpat test for admission of students to Irish medical schools omits one important reason for the introduction of that test in 2009; ie to try to weight the gender balance more in favour of male students who were faring less well than females in the traditional exam-based selection process. Has it succeeded in that aim? Or has it, as Prof Hyland predicted, merely contributed to the grinds industry? – Yours, etc, CELIA KEENAN, Dublin. Sir, – While a discussion about the relative weighting of the Hpat is welcome, people have forgotten about the situation before its introduction. At that time, it was not unusual for students to complete two, three, or even four Leaving Certificates to reach the required points. As well as the waste of the students' time, the ability to pay for the extra tuition in the grind schools was only for people with money. The use of points only also made the prospect of random selection much more common, as is being seen in other degree courses now. There is no perfect medical school admission test. How can any test predict the ability of the many roles of a doctor? An interview, even if semi-structured, has obvious potential biases and would certainly create a new industry to prepare students for this, too. The Hpat tests abilities other than rote learning. It is not ideal, but it has reduced the number of students taking multiple Leaving Certificates. The number of free sample questions it produces is limited, and certainly, these could be increased to allow everyone more pre-test practice. By all means, reduce its importance in the selection process, but it should not be discontinued. – Yours, etc, KEVIN DUNNE, (Retired consultant), Galway. Why have any nuclear arms? Sir, – May I be so bold as to ask why certain countries such as America, India, Israel, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, North Korea and Pakistan are allowed nuclear arms without question and others such as Iran are totally forbidden to have them? Is this not total hypocrisy and putting other countries at a disadvantage? Is it not fairer to ban nuclear arms from all countries? – Yours, etc, MAGGIE FITZGERALD, Killiney, Co Dublin. Airport set down enforcement Sir, – Terminal 1, Dublin Airport, Friday, July 4th: an entire lane of the constricted roadway at the departures set-down area is blocked by motorists sitting there to collect arriving passengers. Constant announcements bark that 'this is a set-down area only', but the waiting motorists, cocooned in their cars, know that the airport police will not disturb them. Maybe Dublin Airport cannot exercise the authority to enforce its own traffic bylaws when it refuses to accept capacity restrictions imposed by national planning laws? – Yours, etc, DAVID LOUGHLIN, Dublin 6. Support your local seagulls Sir – Des Boyle in complaining about seagulls (Letters, July 7th) states that they are 'vermin' and as such should be culled or exterminated for his convenience. For his information seagulls are not vermin and like any other creatures are entitled to live and raise their young free from the selfish entitlement of humans. Had humans not destroyed their natural habitat and decimated their food sources, they would not be forced to live in cities and scavenge for a living. Rather than exterminating seagulls, humans should work to restore their habitat and food sources and we would all, humans and birds, be the better for it. – Yours, etc, HUGH PIERCE, Celbridge, Co Kildare. No rocket science Sir, – Is it not feasible that with a little accommodation, change of bylaw if required, a solution can be found for residents wishing to charge their EV outside their homes. A concrete saw operator, and an electrician and a means to connect from the gully adjacent to the footpath. It's not rocket science. – Yours, etc, STANLEY WHITE, Delgany, Co Wicklow.
