Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

To some extent, it is based on both. It is based on intelligence received or, at times, other initiatives can be taken when circumstances arise. In the context of dealing with matters on a co-ordinated basis, I have referred to the MAOC-N, based in Lisbon, which we participate in and from which we receive intelligence information. The navy also receives information from An Garda Síochána and the customs service. The navy has been successful in terms of drug seizures. For example, two major consignments of cocaine were seized at sea in recent years, one in 2007 in Dunlough Bay and one off the west County Cork coast in 2008. These operations resulted in the seizure of 3.2 tonnes of cocaine, which had an approximate street value of €1.2 billion.

The navy will continue to play a role in this area in the context of the co-operation in which it is engaged with the Garda Síochána and the customs service and in terms of what intelligence we receive in a European context. We are anxious to ensure that the shores of our State are not used as an access point for the importation of drugs that are sold to people in this State or elsewhere in Europe.

As the Deputy is aware, we have a limited Naval Service and our eight vessels cannot all be at sea at the same time. I have great admiration for the job done by the Naval Service and for its professionalism and expertise. At no stage has there been any suggestion that it would do anything other than its very best in seeking to tackle the drugs scourge.

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