Nora Owen
Question:49 Mrs. Owen 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.
Olivia Mitchell
Question:59 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence if there are sufficient personnel and equipment to deal effectively with illegal drug importation via our seas. [9036/98]
Olivia Mitchell
Question:90 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the number of boardings made by the Navy in 1996 in relation to illegal drug importation; the number made in liaison with the customs service; and the number that resulted in a court appearance. [9029/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49, 59 and 90 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.
Existing resources have enabled the Naval Service to respond effectively to tasks 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.
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.
The strength of the Naval Service is kept under constant review in the light of operational requirements. Eighty recruits were enlisted in the service in 1997 and 20 were enlisted on 5 May this year. An additional 30 recruits will be enlisted very shortly. A competition to recruit ten watchkeeping officers to the executive branch of the Naval Service was advertised in March of this year in the national press and in a number of relevant publications in Britain. Interviews were held recently and it is proposed that a panel will be formed from which vacancies will be filled.
The Naval Service is equipped with a total of seven vessels, comprising one helicopter carrying vessel, four offshore patrol vessels and two coastal patrol vessels. At present, six vessels are operational and one is undergoing refit. In December 1997 a contract was placed for the supply of a new fishery protection patrol vessel, FPPV, which is due to be delivered in September 1999.
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 and it will be submitted to Government in the very near future.