In many european ports,you find numerous craft including RIBs and Fast Patrol Boats,carrying out spot checks on visiting vessels. Should the Naval service,or even the NSR have such a role?
In Europort,it is not uncommon to be boarded by Customs,Emmigration and River Police all at the same time. And dont forget the Pilot.
I have seen the Garda Boat in cork Harbour,once,during the visit of a US Naval vessel,since then its a free for all. The Customs have a high powered RIB also,but it is usually only out when there is intelligence on incoming "cargo".
Should the Naval service provide a better presence in our harbours,given the amount of smuggling that is going on? Failing that,should the garda have more than one pleasure boat on the shannon doing the job?
In Europort,it is not uncommon to be boarded by Customs,Emmigration and River Police all at the same time. And dont forget the Pilot.
I have seen the Garda Boat in cork Harbour,once,during the visit of a US Naval vessel,since then its a free for all. The Customs have a high powered RIB also,but it is usually only out when there is intelligence on incoming "cargo".
Should the Naval service provide a better presence in our harbours,given the amount of smuggling that is going on? Failing that,should the garda have more than one pleasure boat on the shannon doing the job?
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