On the general question, as the Deputy will be aware, the Customs National Drugs Team (CNDT) was set up by the Revenue Commissioners with the advent of the Single Market in view of the increased responsibility on the Irish Customs service for protecting our own coastline as well as that of the European Union, in the battle against the illegal importation of drugs. The CNDT comprising over seventy staff, consists of intelligence units, operational units, maritime units and sniffer-dog units which are strategically based at locations throughout the country. These specialist officials are supplemented by 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 maintains contacts with Customs administrations throughout the world by means of international conventions to which Ireland is a contracting party. In addition, a highly developed computer system, the customs information system which links the customs services of EU member states has been established to facilitate quick and effective exchanges of information regarding suspect movements of people and goods.
The CNDT has negotiated memoranda of understanding with trade associations and companies involved in the transport of goods and persons as part of the continuing drive against drug smuggling. Additionally, they recently launched the coastal and airfield reporting pack under the drug watch programme. The pack has had wide distribution and enlists the assistance of coastal communities, maritime personnel, people residing in close proximity to airfields and other members of the public and encourages the reporting of unusual occurrences in their areas to Customs by freefone or freepost.