Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1384: To ask the Minister for Defence the purpose of the Irish Naval Service's LE Orla presence in the Broadhaven Bay area off County Mayo in early September 2008; the person who requested their presence; if it was the Gardaí, or Shell Corporation; and the Naval Service vessel which was directed to take over the LE Orla's normal fisheries protection and anti-smuggling operations. [31362/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with An Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Gardaí as required. The Naval Service deployed a Naval Vessel to Broadhaven Bay in early September 2008 in response to a request for aid to the civil power from An Garda Síochána.

The number of Naval Service vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and seven. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time.