Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

It would be at the discretion of the commanding officer, who will make a professional judgment as to whether the law is being broken and if by boarding a boat, personnel would be in danger. As the commanding officer makes the judgment, it cannot be laid down in law. It depends on the professionalism of the commanding officer. If he or she feels a danger exists, the personnel must have a right to be armed going on board in order to protect themselves.

I have not heard of significant complaints, although the power exists already, as does the power to fire on boats. I have not heard any complaints in this debate regarding any abuse of this power, or that raids are being carried out and people intimidated. The discretion must be there, and it should be left there.