Vol. 466 No. 2
20 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Defence the proposals, if any, there are to provide additional training for Naval Service personnel to enable them to better perform their functions as enforcement officers under the Criminal Justice Act, 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11096/96]
Responsibility for the prevention of the illegal importation of drugs rests primarily with the Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners. The Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, respond to requests from the civil authorities for assistance, including assistance in combating the illegal importation of drugs, and they will continue to do so.
The designation of Naval Service personnel as enforcement officers under the Criminal Justice Act, 1994, will increase the role and effectiveness of the Naval Service in combating the illegal importation of drugs. In 1995, the Naval School at Haulbowline conducted three drugs interdiction courses. A further course is currently under way in the school at which additional Naval Service personnel are being trained, bringing the total trained to 100. These courses are carried out in conjunction with the Garda Training College, the Garda Drugs Squad and the Customs National Drugs Team.
