Austin Currie
Question:106 Mr. Currie 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. [9050/98]
Written Answers. - Illegal Drugs Importation.
Donal Carey
Question:139 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Defence if there is sufficient personnel and equipment to deal effectively with illegal drug importation via our seas. [9036/98]
John Browne
Question:141 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Defence the number of boardings made by the Naval Service in 1996 in relation to illegal drug importation; the numbers done in liaison with the custom service; and the number that resulted in a court appearance. [9029/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106, 139 and 141 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 strength of the Naval Service is kept under constant review in the light of operational requirements. It is intended that there will be an intake of 50 recruits to the service this year.
As part of the Defence Forces Review Implementation Plan, 1996-1998 a special study of the Naval Service was undertaken by consultants engaged by the efficiency audit group — EAG. The consultants completed their review earlier this year and recently submitted their final report to the EAG. The report is currently being considered by the steering group overseeing the review, following which it will be submitted to Government.