Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

Will the Minister clarify whether the Naval Service can only get involved under the direction of either the Revenue Commissioners or the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform? If the Naval Service is suspicious that a yacht or other vessel may be carrying drugs, is it not possible for it to get involved without direction?

Yesterday, the Taoiseach indicated there would be cutbacks in defence spending such as on equipment. He was not precise about the effects. Will that affect the acquisition of a replacement Naval Service vessel which, as the Minister is aware, is critical?

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