I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Revenue Customs Service operates one cutter which entered service in June 2004 following an EU Public Procurements process. This cutter has not been sold. Revenue, as part of its coastal control/anti-smuggling development programme, is currently in the process of acquiring a second Customs cutter which will be delivered in late 2009. All staff/crew assigned to the Cutter will be trained in the required range of Customs skills including search of persons and of vessels.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that a number of small, open, rigid inflatable boats, acquired by the Customs Service in 1992/93 were disposed of by way of asset transfer to other State Agencies (Irish Coast Guard Service) where they have been re-furbished and are in use as training craft for their volunteers.