Naval Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2023

Tuesday, 10 October 2023

Ceisteanna (49)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

49. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence following the successful operation of the Joint Task Force in interdicting a huge drugs consignment off the Irish coast, and acknowledging the importance of having members of An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners on secondment to the Maritime Operations Centre in Lisbon, if it is intended that an Irish naval officer would also be seconded there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43764/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Defence (Deputy Micheál Martin)

As the Deputy will be aware overall responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking rests primarily with the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners, while responsibility for the prevention of crime rests primarily with An Garda Síochána.

I understand that the Naval Service has enjoyed a highly beneficial relationship with MAOC (N) since its establishment in 2007, participating in a number of successful joint task force operations with partner nations and agencies across Europe and the Atlantic and ongoing consultation between MAOC (N) and Naval Service Command will continue in order to ensure provision of maritime military expertise in support of future MAOC (N) operations. I am advised that my Department has not received a formal request from the appropriate authorities for the secondment of a Naval Officer as referred to by the Deputy.