asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself with the naval surveillance around our coastline.
22.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Naval Surveillance.
15.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement regarding the preparedness and deployment where appropriate, of the Defence Forces, for the purpose of protecting the Irish coastline from the landing of illegal arms shipments, in view of recent allegations.
(Limerick West): I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 22 together. The Defence Forces pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power assist the Garda Síochána as necessary in internal security matters. The deployment of units of the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service and Air Corps, is determined by exigencies from time to time.
I am satisfied regarding the level of patrolling of Irish waters by the Naval Service within the resources available and the preparedness of units of the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, to respond to any requests for assistance which may be received from the Garda Síochána.
In view of the statement made to this House by the Minister for Justice recently that quantities of arms had got into this country, I would like to ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that both the Air Force and the Navy are capable of preventing any further infringements of our laws of the sea.
(Limerick West): I am so satisfied.
That disposes of ordinary questions and of questions nominated for priority.