Gerry Reynolds
Question:102 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Finance the reason the revenue maritime unit is being withdrawn from Sligo Port, leaving no policing between the Shannon Estuary and Malin Head. [15652/00]
Written Answers. - Customs National Drugs Team.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that since the establishment of the Customs National Drugs Team in 1993, the maritime units based in Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Sligo have played an important role in countering the threat of the importation of illegal drugs.
Having accumulated seven years' operational experience of the Customs National Drugs Team, the board of the Revenue Commissioners decided to establish a high level group to examine all aspects of the CNDT operation. One of the recommendations made by the review group related to the maritime units. The group confirmed that a maritime capability was essential for the customs and excise service to discharge its overall obligations in the area of prevention of smuggling, especially drugs smuggling. The group, however, felt that these units were unable to fully meet their objectives because of the limitations of the type of vessel being used.
Having considered the options available, the costs involved and the operational coverage required, the review group recommended that a lesser number of larger boats with greater seagoing capabilities should be purchased to replace the existing boats.
In recommending that these new vessels be located in Rosslare Harbour, Cork Harbour and the Shannon Estuary, the review group was satisfied that these locations maximised the coastal areas that could be covered by the maritime units, being particularly cognisant of the well established risk that is present along the south and south west coast.
However, Revenue being very conscious of the major implications of any decision in this area and cognisant of our role in association with the other agencies such as the Garda, Navy, Air Corps and other Customs administrations, plan to engage the services of maritime consultants to advise on the precise specification of the craft, the locations and berthing facilities necessary to meet our stringent performance criteria. The process of selecting and engaging the consultant has commenced.
I assure Deputy Reynolds that whatever the final decision on the maritime units, it will be taken with the objective of providing the most effective and efficient measures possible to guard our coastal waters against the importation of drugs and other sensitive or dangerous substances.