Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 30 Mar 1995

Vol. 451 No. 4

Written Answers. - Importation of Illegal Substances.

Ivor Callely

Question:

24 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Defence the support available to the Naval Service in the detection of illegal substances entering the country; his views on whether a considerable amount of illegal substances enter the country via transportation by sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6613/95]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Coveney)

Responsibility for prevention of the importation of illegal substances rests primarily with the Revenue Commissioners and the Garda Síochána.

The Defence Forces respond to requests from the civil authorities for assistance, including assistance in combatting the illegal importation of drugs and other materials, and they will continue to do so.

I understand that the Department of Justice, as the agency with primary responsibility for law and order, is at present formulating proposals designed to secure the best arrangements for achieving a cohesive and co-ordinated response to the drug trafficking problem by existing law enforcement agencies.