Dr. Margaret Stanley:

The worsening geopolitical situation has certainly been a spur to its development. It certainly was behind the defence policy review that was carried out last year, which identified maritime security as the key issue that needs to be focused on. That was essentially why my Department stood up to take on this co-ordination role. It is a very complex issue. It is the first time this many Departments and agencies of the State have a part to play in maritime security. The role of my unit in my Department is to try to better co-ordinate how we cooperate on this issue in light, as the Deputy said, of these increasing threats.