McEntee expected to announce new laws boosting powers at sea for Defence Forces

Plans to give the Defence Forces stronger legal powers to protect Irish waters are expected to be announced by Helen McEntee on Wednesday.

It is understood the Minister for Defence will introduce new legislation to give the Naval Service a new “clearly defined” ability to act unilaterally in some situations, including the ability to board vessels operating in Irish waters and inspect documentation, equipment and activities on board.

It will also allow them to direct vessels to alter their course or leave a specified area and instruct ships to cease activities that may pose a threat to critical infrastructure or the marine environment.

In addition, it will strengthen the laws around the protection of military installations.

The move has been prompted by growing concerns about the activities of ships suspected of being part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” and recent reports of damage to subsea infrastructure in European waters.

Strategically important undersea communications cables lie off the Irish coast, along with gas pipelines and electricity interconnectors.

Ms McEntee is understood to want the legislation passed ahead of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, which starts in July.

Currently, the Defence Forces have the power to enforce certain laws at sea for other government agencies.

But this legislation will, for the first time, give them specific maritime enforcement powers under the Defence Act.

It will also formalise the Defence Forces’ role in providing aid to agencies such as An Garda Siochana and the Revenue Commissioners.

The Government has given its approval to the Department of Defence to begin drafting the proposals and has described making sure the Defence Forces have the “appropriate legal framework to act” as a “key priority”.

The proposed legislation has been developed by the Department of Defence along with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Attorney General, who say it will be “fully in line” with international law and best practice.