asked the Minister for Finance if he will state the number of prosecutions which have been initiated within the past 12 months in respect of smuggling fowl out of the country; whether in any of these cases officials of the special investigation branch of the Revenue Commission gave evidence for the defence, and whether a file from the special investigation branch was made available to the defence in any such case.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Smuggling of Fowl.
No prosecutions have been initiated within the past 12 months in respect of the illegal exportation of fowl. In one case, not initiated, but completed, within that period, officers of the special investigation branch of the Revenue Commissioner's Office were subpoenaed for the defence and gave evidence. No file from the branch was at any time made available to the defence.
Can the Minister say whether officials of the special investigation branch giving evidence for the defence in this case travelled in official cars for the purpose of giving that evidence?
I do not know, but I imagine they would have.