Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has had discussions with his EU or UN counterparts in regard to coastal defence or surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34601/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in the matter of coastal defence and surveillance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34603/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 173 together.

The Naval Service, which is based on Haulbowline Island, is the State's principal seagoing agency with a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. It is tasked with a variety of defence and other roles. Defence roles include defending territorial seas, deterring intrusive or aggressive acts, conducting maritime surveillance, maintaining an armed naval presence, ensuring right of passage, protecting marine assets and contributing to a blockade if required. The Naval Service also supports Army operations by sea lift and close naval support.

Under the Treaty of the European Union, the EU is developing a common foreign and security policy which does not extend to territorial defence. This aspect falls under national responsibility. I have not had any recent discussions with my EU or UN counterparts specifically on regard to coastal defence or surveillance. Following a Spanish initiative presented under the Luxembourg Presidency in February 2005, consideration is being given to the Maritime Dimension of the EU Headline Goal 2010. However, I have not had any discussions with my EU or UN counterparts specifically in relation to this.