175. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the estimated cost of providing seven additional dog detector teams for the Revenue Commissioners; the amount of cash seized by the Revenue Commissioners' dog unit in 2021 and to date in 2022; and the estimated street value of drugs and tobacco products seized during that time period. [35783/22]

Written answers (Question to Finance), Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Finance: I am advised by Revenue that it currently operates 24 detector dog teams with arrangements in place to increase this to 26 by the end of July 2022.

The year one cost of each detector dog team is approximately €100,000. This includes the cost of a trained detector dog, salary of the handler, training for the handler with the dog, transport and kennelling arrangements.  Subsequent costs associated with each detector dog team is approximately €40,000 per annum. This includes salary, allowances, uniform, food, vet bills and other related costs. 

Statistics in relation to detector dog teams are compiled on an annual basis. The table below sets out the seizures secured in 2021.

I am advised by Revenue that operational requirements as regards the deployment and use of detection equipment and technologies, including dog detectors teams, are kept under regular review having regard to ongoing risk assessment and developments as regards smuggling and criminal activities and developments.