Vol. 514 No. 5
70 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to reports of drug barons using remote air fields for drugs trade; the role, if any, the Air Corps plays in monitoring air traffic; the discussions, if any, he has had with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform or the Garda Commissioner in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4530/00]
Responsibility for the prevention of the illegal importation of drugs rests primarily with the Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners. The Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, respond to requests from the civil authorities for assistance, including assistance in combating the illegal importation of drugs, and they will continue to do so. For operational and security reasons it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the arrangements which exist between the Defence Forces and these agencies.
