Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

When any of these ships come in, the Garda and the Defence Forces are consulted and they express their concerns. As far as the high level group is concerned, a number of Deputies here — including Deputies Kenny and Rabbitte — know that it is better if we do not get into the issues in security briefings. There are always highly sensitive issues, and there is ongoing work and co-operation. It is happening every day across a range of areas.

Anything I might say would be unhelpful to the operations, although I am briefed on them from time to time. It is not that often, but it happens when there is a requirement. Senior people are involved in these issues, which take in security, intelligence and co-operation. There is a level of co-operation across frontiers, including Scotland Yard, Europol and Eurojust. There is co-operation with the United States on issues such as narcotics and arms.

It is an everyday issue, and Deputies can take it as such. There would be nothing helpful in me discussing these issues, other than to tell Deputies how the process works.

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