I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 26, 30, 39 and 40 together.
This matter is primarily one for the Garda and is, I understand, the subject of ongoing investigations by them. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Customs was not involved in any landing of prohibited drugs at Castletownbere at any time and was not informed by anybody of a proposal to land such drugs at Castletownbere. It is the case that the possibility of a major smuggling operation at an unspecified future date was advised to Customs by the Garda at some time beforehand, but no details of any such operations were made available to Customs at any time.
By prior arrangement with the Garda, Customs was present at the scene in Urlingford, County Kilkenny, on 8 November 1995, where a large seizure of cannabis resin was made. On that occasion, the seizure had been made by the gardaí prior to the arrival of Customs. I have no information about the circumstances surrounding the actual importation of the drugs seized. I should point out that while Customs is, in the normal course, the agency with primary responsibility for intercepting and seizing drugs illegally imported, the Garda also has full seizure powers.
As I said already, this matter is primarily one for the Garda and is, I understand, the subject of ongoing investigations by them. I fully support the comments made in the House last week by my colleague, the Minister for Justice, about the need for great care in dealing with what is obviously a very sensitive matter. The Government is determined to do everything in its power to deal effectively with the problem of trafficking in illegal drugs.