Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Given the fact that we have a large coastline, most detection which takes place is intelligence based and comes through working with other law enforcement agencies. We have been successful in this respect and last night's seizure shows this is the case.

In the context of working with our international partners, recently Ireland agreed to participate in the Maritime Analysis and Operation Centre, MAOC. Its aim is to prevent narcotics coming from across the Atlantic and is geared towards the importation of cocaine into Europe. This is a new initiative and Ireland will be represented at its base in Lisbon.

The number of seizures has increased and this is an indication that the policy is working. With regard to the equipment referred to by Deputy Flanagan, such as x-ray machines, the responsibility lies with the customs service which is in the process of tendering for a new cutter which will be available in 2009. Customs service personnel are present all the time at every medium and large port. A major attack by the Garda Síochána and the customs service has been made on the new aerodromes which have sprung up throughout the country. They were targeted in 2007 and this will continue. The vast majority of assistance in this respect comes through good intelligence and this has been shown in the dramatic increase in the number of seizures.

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