Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Tánaiste's response to what is a very important issue but also from the point of view of the vulnerability of the State from drug-running, a possible outbreak of hostilities along vulnerable sections of our coastline, and the possibility of our forces being stretched beyond capacity at any given time. What is the extent to which recognition is given that the strength of the defence of our coastline depends on the weakest link? Whatever it is, that is where we are at. Are our European colleagues fully aware of the extent to which Ireland is on the front line insofar as coastal protection is concerned?

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