Written Answers. - Naval Service Resources.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Ceist:
26
Mrs. Moynihan-Cronin
asked the
Minister for Defence
his views on the numbers which would constitute full strength for the Naval Services, in view of its increasing responsibilities in protecting our maritime resources in the battle against drugs importation and in pollution control; the way in which he intends bringing the Naval Service up to full strength; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[15165/97]
Monica Barnes
Ceist:
59
Mrs. Barnes
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.
[15176/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 59 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 Services to respond effectively to such taskings. 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, 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.
Pollution control at sea is a matter for the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. The Naval Service is available to respond to requests from the Department to assist in the control of pollution at sea but no such requests have been received in recent years.
At present the Naval Service is equipped with a total of seven vessels comprising one helicopter carrying patrol vessels, four off shore patrol vessels and two coastal patrol vessels. The Naval Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the exclusive economic zone. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed at all areas of Irish waters as necessary. Fishery protection patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps in the form of aerial surveillance by two CASA maritime patrol aircraft. As I have indicated in my reply to Question No. 18, it is planned to provide the Naval Service with an additional patrol vessel.
Pending delivery of the new vessel the Naval Service will continue to carry out its various roles using the existing seven patrol vessels. Three of these vessels were refurbished in recent years and another is currently undergoing a major overhaul to replace and refurbish obsolete or deteriorated equipment and extend its operational life.
The current strength of the Naval Service is 1,096. Arising from the recruitment campaign for enlistment in the Permanent Defence Force in 1996 and 1997, 20 recruits were enlisted in the Naval Service on 30 December 1996 and 80 have been enlisted in 1997. A further ten Naval Cadets will commence training shortly and it is proposed to enlist seven apprentices for training in the service in the near future.
As the Deputy will be aware, a study of the Naval Service and Air Corps is currently being undertaken by the Efficiency Audit Group as part of the review of the Defence Forces. The resulting report will serve as a blueprint for the future development of both services.
