Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 1

Written Answers. - Naval Service Strength.

Liam Fitzgerald

Ceist:

21 Mr. L. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence the current strength of the Naval Service in terms of personnel, vessels and weaponry; the proportion of time and resources that has been deployed to anti-drug smuggling in respect of each of the past five years and to date in 1996 while acknowledging the need for an expanding role for the service for fishery protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12787/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

At present the Naval Service comprises a total of 1,031 personnel. The service is equipped with a total of seven vessels comprising one helicopter-carrying patrol vessel, four offshore patrol vessels and two coastal patrol vessels. In the interests of security it is not the practice to disclose details regarding operational equipment, including weaponry, on board Naval Service vessels.

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 Naval Service, 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.

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 such patrols Naval Service vessels may be deployed to anti drugs 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 such requests. Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment of a joint task force involving the Garda, the Customs Service and the Naval Service will help 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 will also increase the role and effectiveness of the Naval Service in this area. The question of whether additional resources are required will be kept under review as these measures are implemented.