Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

To revert to the Deputy's original point, I agree with him that there is a deterrent value in having ships on the ocean waves and that it recognised. In practice, however, because of the nature of electronic surveillance, as well as Garda and customs service information, it is more common that it is the genesis of a report. Naval patrols are, of course, conscious of suspicious movements of vessels of all sizes and they do have a role in that regard. The primary law enforcement role, however, lies with the Garda Síochána and Customs and Excise officials. That is where the joint operations, which have been under way for some time, are of such value.

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