Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2013
169. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm the number of full time Customs and Excise staff employed solely in the detection of drugs for 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18542/13]
View answerI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Revenue is an integrated Tax and Customs administration, and all Revenue staff are available for assignment to any required functions in accordance with currently identified priorities and risks. Currently the Revenue Commissioners have approximately 2,000 staff engaged directly in activities that are dedicated to target and confront non-compliance. These staff play an important part in ensuring compliance with all taxes and duties as well as with customs obligations (including drugs interdiction)
Revenue is subject to the Employment Control Framework staffing reductions imposed since 2009. Revenue’s overall staffing levels have reduced from a total of 6,581(Full Time Equivalent) at the end of 2008 to its current level of 5,780. Notwithstanding this reduction, Revenue staff resources assigned to compliance activities have been maintained at around 2,000. Revenue have accorded a very high priority to the tackling of all illegal trade, including drugs, and they are committed to ensuring that, despite the staff reductions, that this enforcement work will continue to be resourced to the maximum extent possible.
Revenue is very aware that it plays a frontline role in protecting society from the importation of illicit drugs. As a stakeholder in the Government’s National Drugs Strategy, Revenue plays an important role in implementing the Supply Reduction Pillar. Strategic and Operation Plans, which are managed on a national basis, have been put in place to ensure Revenue meets its commitments under the strategy. This ongoing commitment is bolstered by the deployment of the two Revenue Customs Cutters, the RCC Suirbhéir and the RCC Faire , two X-Ray scanners and 14 detector dog teams, coupled with the management of the Customs Drugs Watch programme. Revenue works proactively with an Garda Siochana and the Naval Service as part of the Joint Task Force on Drugs Interdiction. Along with effective operational interventions, Revenue has also used its contacts within international law enforcement agencies to proactively profile drug trafficking networks.
