Vol. 452 No. 5
125 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that the naval authorities have sufficient resources to interdict the illegal importation of drugs along our coastline; if this type of work is accorded the same priority as fishery patrols; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [88254/95]
Responsibility for prevention of the illegal importation of drugs rests primarily with the Revenue Commissioners and the Garda Síochána.
The Defence Forces 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.
Existing resources have enabled the Defence Forces to respond effectively to such requests. The question of whether additional resources are required is kept under constant review in the light of prevailing circumstances.
