Defence Department says carriage of civilians inappropriate
Kildare South TD Cathal Berry is among a number of politicians who have asked to be aboard any ship sent by the Irish navy to observe the upcoming Russian military drills.
The Russian navy is due to conduct an exercise 220 kilometres off the southwest coast of Cork next week.
The drills, which will last for six days will take place in international waters, but will be within Ireland’s exclusive economic zone
The Department of Defence says the carriage of civilians would not be appropriate for security and safety reasons.
A group of fishing vessels plan to protest at sea against the live fire exercises, despite being advised to avoid the area, while the Russian Ambassador has been invited before an Oireachtas Committee next week.