147. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the annual funding provided to the customs service to directly tackle drugs since 2002 to date in 2009; his plans to provide them with greater resources [28669/09].

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan): Revenue’s Customs Service has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs at importation. This Service has particular responsibility for implementing import and export controls at all points of entry/exit to/from Ireland, including ports and airports.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to provide the figures requested by the Deputy. This is because most enforcement personnel and equipment are not solely involved with illicit drug importation, but also carry out a wide range of other enforcement functions. In addition, the funding can vary from year to year depending on the expenditure on capital equipment. Nevertheless, estimated figures recently compiled suggest that the overall cost of the Revenue resource employed on drug prevention activities was of the order of €15 million in 2008.

I have been assured by the Revenue Commissioners that they are fully committed to providing an effective level of protection against drug smuggling by systematically applying controls commensurate with the levels of risk identified. In this regard, Revenue is continuously engaged in analysis and evaluation of seizure trends, routes and smuggling risks and resource deployment is adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, an additional Revenue cutter is due for delivery later this year, and the procurement process is underway for an additional x-ray scanner.

Vol. 687 No. 4
Written Answers - Customs Service
Wednesday, 8 July 2009