David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Defence, further to Parliamentary Question No. 27 of 4 October 2007, if he has held discussions with the appropriate authorities regarding the possibility of the Reserve Defence Forces acting as a coastal watch to assist An Garda Síochána in combating drug smuggling; if so the persons with whom and when these discussions took place; the outcome of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34401/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking rests primarily with the Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners. However, the White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in this important work.

The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan is being implemented over the period to end 2009. As part of this process, consideration is being given to the possible roles of the Reserve Defence Force. I will ensure that the possibility of the Reserve being requested to perform coast-watching duties for the prevention of drug smuggling, is considered by the military authorities as part of this process.