267. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance the status of the ongoing cooperation between the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána, the PSNI and HMRC in tackling serious crime, including drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs under the cross-Border Joint Agency Task Force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2740/25]

Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Finance: In relation to drug trafficking and the supply of illicit drugs, I am advised that Revenue has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception, and seizure of controlled drugs intended to be smuggled or illegally imported into, or exported from, the State. Revenue’s drugs interdiction strategy supports the Government’s strategic approach to the misuse of drugs under the National Drugs Strategy 2017-2025. The Government is acutely aware of the sustained and significant damage that the importation of illicit drugs has on communities right across the country, and every effort is made to combat the importation of illicit drugs.

As part of its risk focused approach to the discharge of its role in relation to illegal drug importations, Revenue monitors and evaluates ports, airports, and other points of entry into the State such as parcel operator premises and mail centres, on an ongoing basis to identify the risk potential for drug smuggling, and in doing so Revenue works, within its remit, in close collaboration with other Irish law enforcement entities and UK partner agencies. The JATF Drugs Crime Priority is led by An Garda Síochána and the PSNI.

Given the global nature of the illicit smuggling trade, international law enforcement cooperation remains a key element in Revenue’s overall response. Revenue has strong and strategic partnerships in place at international level targeting illicit smuggling, including working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies such as Europol and the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre for Narcotics (MAOC-N). Revenue liaison officers are stationed in both Europol and MAOC-N, ensuring Revenue is at the forefront in the area of anti-smuggling enforcement at an international level. These officers work closely with international colleagues in identifying the transnational risks associated with illicit smuggling into the State.

Furthermore, Revenue is an active participant, along with its national and EU partners, in initiatives under the umbrella of the EU Roadmap to Tackle Drugs and Organised Crime. These initiatives, including the European Ports Alliance, provide for EU-wide collaboration and information sharing on best practices to increase security and resilience in tackling the threat posed by drug trafficking, illicit smuggling and organised crime.

At a national level, the Joint Task Force, which is an interagency collaboration consisting of Revenue, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the Naval Service, was put in place specifically to target illicit smuggling by sea into Ireland and uses the full capability and resources of each agency as required at an operational level. The Joint Task Force operates successfully under agreed protocols when activated for a specific targeted operation.

In relation to excise fraud, I am advised that Revenue works closely with its counterparts in other jurisdictions including colleagues in Northern Ireland through the Cross Border JATF. The JATF promotes real-time collaboration between Revenue and HM Revenue and Customs, working as appropriate in collaboration with An Garda Síochána and the PSNI, in their efforts to disrupt the activities of organised crime groups involved in serious excise fraud. The JATF is an excellent example of a successful cross border partnership to tackle organised and cross jurisdictional crime on the island of Ireland. Revenue also works closely with other international bodies including OLAF (the EU’s anti-fraud agency), Europol and the World Customs Organisation.

I am assured that combatting excise fraud and the smuggling of controlled drugs into and out of this jurisdiction is, and will continue to be, a priority for Revenue. Ongoing cooperation and collaboration with its national and international law enforcement agencies, including UK counterparts, will continue to play an important role in this regard. I commend Revenue and all the relevant State agencies for their work in this important area.