Michael Finucane
Question:37 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether the Navy has adequate resources to tackle the importation of drugs by sea to this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4817/98]
Written Answers. - Illegal Drug Importation.
Jim Higgins
Question:68 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Defence if there is sufficient personnel and equipment to deal effectively with illegal drug importation via our seas. [4821/98]
P. J. Sheehan
Question:84 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Defence the number of boardings made by the Navy, and in liaison with the Customs Service, in 1996 in relation to illegal drug importation; and the number that resulted in a court appearance. [4787/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 37, 68 and 84 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 the course of 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. In 1996, the Naval Service carried out five major drugs operations and these were co-ordinated with the joint task force involving the Garda, the Customs Service and the Naval Service. My Department does not have information in relation to the numbers that resulted in court appearances as the prosecution of personnel involved in such activities is a matter for the Garda.
Existing resources have enabled the Naval Service to respond effectively to taskings involving the prevention of illegal drug importation. Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment of the joint task force, 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 1,015. Arising from the recent recruitment campaign for enlishment in the Permanent Defence Force, 80 recruits were enlisted in the Naval Service in 1997. A further 13 Naval cadets and four apprentices are undergoing training at present. A special study of the Naval Service is being undertaking 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.