Ports Minister: DRD has nopowers in relation to flags

DANNY Kennedy’s office has been in touch with the Sentinel to point out it is powerless in relation to flag protocols on ships in port in Londonderry or elsewhere.
The Republic of Ireland's Naval Jack flies from the bow of the Offshore Patrol Vessel, the L.É Aisling in Londonderry on Tuesday (October 22).
No White Ensign once again.The Republic of Ireland's Naval Jack flies from the bow of the Offshore Patrol Vessel, the L.É Aisling in Londonderry on Tuesday (October 22).
No White Ensign once again.
The Republic of Ireland's Naval Jack flies from the bow of the Offshore Patrol Vessel, the L.É Aisling in Londonderry on Tuesday (October 22). No White Ensign once again.

Last week the Sentinel pointed out there was no sign of the White Ensign on Tuesday, October 22, as the Irish Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel, the L.É. Aisling, sailed into Londonderry.

Earlier in the year DUP MP Gregory Campbell had questioned why another ship, the L.É Emer, didn’t fly the White Ensign of the Royal Navy whilst alongside here during the Return of Colmcille pageant.

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He’d asked the Ports Minister who - that is, what body - was responsible for “protocols on flags flown on ships, when naval ships from other nations are docked in ports in connection with events such as the Columcille Festival 2013?”

He’d replied: “The Royal Navy are able to offer advice on the flag protocols for naval ships from other nations when berthed in UK ports.”

The Minister’s Department contacted the Sentinel following last week’s article when we stated the DRD Minister was responsible for flag protocol on ships.

A Department for Regional Development spokesperson said: “The Department has no powers in relation to flag protocols on ships.”

According to the MoD’s standards, flags and colours protocol, foreign warships visiting the UK may, if they wish, fly a courtesy flag, namely the White Ensign.