asked the Taoiseach if he is satisfied with the position regarding crimes committed in coastal areas, such as arms smuggling, drug trafficking, pollution, illegal fishing; and in relation to a reply given to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 26 June 1980, if the present position where no one body is responsible is desirable; if he will set up an interDepartmental committee to examine the problem and consider one body such as the Naval Service, as the principal service for this type of work; if he considers that enough vessels or trained personnel are available; and if he will request the Minister for Defence to examine the use of light fast patrol vessels for coastal surveillance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coastal Area Crimes.
1.
I consider that the existing arrangements for dealing with the matters referred to by the Deputy are adequate.
Would the Taoiseach agree that the lack of co-ordination between the different agencies and the diversification of the scarce resources for the protection of our coasts mean that the results achieved are not as we would wish? Would the Taoiseach agree that it would be more efficient to centralise resources under one agency such as the Naval Service?
That is always an open question in situation like this. We have no view from any of the services concerned that they suffer in any way through lack of co-ordination but it is a matter which could be kept under review.
Would the Taoiseach investigate the possibility of centralising resources? Would this not be more efficient and effective? At present the Department of Agriculture and the Garda——
The Deputy may not make a statement. A question, please.
I am reminding the Taoiseach of the different agencies involved and that there is duplication and triplication. It would be much more efficient to have all resources under one agency. At present different agencies are illequipped to deal with the problem.
It is not as simple as that.
Why?
In regard to the contribution by the Garda, is the Deputy suggesting that they should be removed from the general jurisdiction of the commissioner?
No, I am not.
That seemed to me to be inherent in the concept which the Deputy was adumbrating.
Does the Taoiseach accept that the different agencies involved are not fully equipped to deal with the problem?
The Deputy was dealing with the principle of co-ordinating all these services under one central agency which I am not prepared to accept.
I have asked previously that a coastguard service be set up to perform the function mentioned in Deputy Creed's question. Whose function is it at present to intercept suspect boats which could be carrying anything from guns to drugs?
In so far as fishery protection and such matters are concerned, primarily it would be the function of the Naval Service, but the different agencies have their responsibilities and can call upon each other for assistance in different areas. Regarding Deputy Deasy's suggestion, a coastguard service of the kind he has in mind would not be the best possible instrument for fishery protection.
A final supplementary.
Does the Taoiseach consider that we have sufficient equipment, personnel and vessels to control our coasts?
I imagine the reply the different agencies would give to that question is that they could always do with more if we could afford it.