Vol. 448 No. 4
80 Mr. Hughes asked the Minister for Finance the proposals, if any, he has received in relation to the operation and manning of disused coastguard stations for surveillance purposes and to combat illegal drug importation; and his views on how this could be best achieved; the cost of such a proposal; and his views on whether there is any merit in the proposal. [2316/95]
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in view of the greater responsibility placed on Customs for protecting not only Ireland but the EU as a whole against drug smuggling with the abolition of systematic checks at internal Community frontiers since 1 January 1993, a Customs National Drugs Teams was established. The CNDT, comprising over 70 staff, consists of intelligence units, operational units, maritime units and sniffer-dog units, which are strategically based at locations throughout the country. All units are mobile and employ the most modern means of communication and have access to aerial and sea surveillance. These specialist officials supplement the general cadre of Customs and Excise staff who are also responsible for the detection and prevention of drug smuggling as part of their normal duties. The CNDT liaise and co-operate with the Garda, Navy and Air Corps as required and maintains contacts with Customs administrations throughout the world by means of International Conventions to which Ireland is a contracting party.
