Theresa Ahearn
Question:32 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Defence if there is enough personnel and equipment to deal effectively with illegal drug importation. [23087/97]
Written Answers. - Naval Service.
Michael Creed
Question:45 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether the Naval Service has adequate resources to tackle the importation of drugs by sea to this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15176/97]
John Perry
Question:49 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether the Naval Service has adequate resources to tackle the importation of drugs by sea to this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18181/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 45 and 49 together.
Responsibility for the prevention of the illegal importation of drugs rests primarily with the Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners while 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. During routine patrols Naval Service vessels may be deployed to anti-drug smuggling operations. Naval Service vessels are specifically tasked from time to time to carry out drug search and interdiction operations in aid of the civil authorities.
Existing resources have enabled the Naval Service to respond effectively to such taskings. Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment of a Joint Task Force involving the Garda the Customs Service and the Naval Service, have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating the illegal importation of drugs. The designation of Naval Service personnel as enforcement officers under the Criminal Justice Act, 1994, has also increased the role and effectiveness of the Naval Service in this area.
The current strength of the Naval Service is 1,047. Arising from the recruitment campaign for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force in 1996 and 1997, 20 recruits were enlisted in the Naval Service on 30 December 1996 and 80 have been enlisted in 1997. A further ten Naval Cadets have commenced training and it is proposed to enlist seven apprentices for training in the service in January, 1998.
A special study of the Naval Service is currently being undertaken by the efficiency audit group as part of the review of the Defence Forces. The question of the resources necessary to discharge the tasks assigned to the Naval Service will be encompassed by the study.