asked the Minister for Defence if, in view of recent events, he will ensure that the Greencastle fishing fleet will be given adequate protection.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishery Protection.
27.
Primary responsibility for internal security rests with the Garda Síochána, the role of the Defence Forces in the matter being one of assisting the gardaí as required.
I should imagine that the information sought in the question was in relation to the Naval Service. That is what is implied in the question rather than the Minister's responsibility on land.
In relation to internal security my function is to give aid to the civil power, and whenever the Garda require assistance, to the fullest extent of the limited resources at my disposal this help will be given on internal security matters.
In the likelihood of an attack being made on the fleet at sea, will the Minister consider the feasibility of giving assistance by way of Naval Service protection to the coastline, to the Foyle in particular where, as he knows, there has been quite a considerable amount of dispute in the past 12 months, not necessarily related to recent happenings——
I would repeat for the Deputy's benefit that as far as I am concerned, when matters of internal security arise, I act when asked to by the Garda Síochána or the Department of Justice. The coastal area of the Foyle is patrolled by the Naval Service in common with the other coastal areas. We had naval vessels in the Lough Swilly area from 7th to 10th March last and on 12th and 13th March. The coast of Lough Foyle was patrolled on 10th and 13th March.