Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 42: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the Naval Service resources are being effectively used in combating drug trafficking through the joint task force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46287/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 42 together.

Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking rests primarily with the Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners. Responsibility for the prevention of crime rests primarily with An Garda Síochána. 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 Joint Task Force on Drug Interdiction was established in 1993 as a Government measure to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs and consists of members of An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Naval Service.

Internationally, the establishment in 2007 of the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N) has led to a greater focus on intelligence exchange amongst countries to tackle large drug shipments by sea. MAOC-N was set up by seven European countries and is designed as an international co-ordination force with access to national tasking agencies and requires participation and resources from all active members. An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service have full-time officers based at the Centre in Lisbon. Irish Naval Service personnel travel to the Centre when requested by the Joint Task Force.

Drug interdiction is carried out by Naval ships on receipt of intelligence from the Joint Task Force. The Air Corps provides air support and on occasion carries the Customs National Drugs Team in an observational capacity for the purposes of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

The Naval Service operates 8 general purpose patrol ships, which are tasked with coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies. The primary day to day tasking of the Naval Service is to provide a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels are deployed to other duties including drug interdiction operations.

The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time. All vessels are multi-tasked in the sense that they also undertake general surveillance, security and other duties while on fisheries patrol.

Naval Service patrols at sea undoubtedly act as a deterrent in the fight against drug trafficking. However, increasingly this role is governed by intelligence led operations and greater cooperation between both national and international agencies.

Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of our Exclusive Economic Zone using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft.

Just one example of the effectiveness of the Naval Service role in the Joint Task Force is the 2009 conviction of three persons for the attempted importation by sea of a substantial quantity of cocaine with an estimated street value of €500 million. This conviction followed the international intelligence-led OPERATION SEA BIGHT involving the Joint Task Force, during which the Naval Service boarded a suspect vessel in November 2008. The Naval Service subsequently assisted in the preparation of evidence, and provided technical expertise and witness statements. The Air Corps CASA maritime patrol aircraft was also involved in providing aerial reconnaissance for this operation.

I am satisfied that Air Corps and Naval Service resources are being used effectively in combatting drug trafficking through the Joint Task Force.