Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:68 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which air and sea reconnaissance is sufficient to deter drug trafficking or other such illegal activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26237/02]
Written Answers. - Crime Levels.
Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking or other such illegal activities rests primarily with the Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners who are also responsible for the detention of personnel and/or the seizure of drugs or equipment, which may be made at sea.
The White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for both the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in this important work. 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, Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment in 1993 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 drug trafficking. The Air Corps provides air support and on occasion carries the Customs Service national drugs team in an observation capacity for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking or other such illegal activities.
There is close co-operation between the civil authorities, the Garda, the Customs Service and the Naval Service and Air Corps in discharging this important mission. I am satisfied that the extent of Naval Service and Air Corps reconnaissance, in conjunction with the Garda and the Customs Service, has had a major and beneficial impact in deterring drug trafficking or other such illegal activities.
Questions Nos. 69 to 73, inclusive, answered with Question No. 20.