Michael Bell
Question:280 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Defence the role and mission of An Slua Muirí; and the missions of the Naval Service in relation to coast watching, protection and tracking the importation of drugs. [3515/97]
Written Answers. - Naval Service Duties.
The main day to day role of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. Over 90 per cent of the operational sea-time of the Naval Service is occupied with this task. Other roles carried out by the Naval Service, generally in support of other Departments, include search and rescue operations, aid to the civil power, drugs interdiction at sea, salmon fishery patrols and assistance with oil pollution control at sea.
An Slua Muirí is the naval component of the Reserve Defence Force and its role traditionally has been to assist the Naval Service in seaward defence, port control and examination of vessels. A special study on the future of the Reserve Forces, including An Slua Muirí, is scheduled to be carried out in the first phase of the EAG implementation plan.