Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2015
238. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Finance his plans to provide funding to the Revenue Commissioners for the purchase of additional mobile X-ray vans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7982/15]
View answerI am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Revenue currently has three mobile scanner systems. Two of these are mobile x-ray container scanning systems that are based at Dublin Port and Rosslare Ferry Port respectively. Both of these scanners are available for deployment at other ports, and at other locations such as warehouses, as required, and Revenue uses them, on the basis of risk assessment, at a range of locations. The other mobile scanning system is a scanner van, a specialist vehicle incorporating x-ray and radiation detection facilities. It is used for monitoring baggage and cargo at airports and ports for narcotics, cigarettes, radioactive material and other contraband. It also allows Revenue officers to carry out control actions at other locations such as warehouses and courier depots.
The Revenue Commissioners continuously review their detection technology requirements, taking account of developments in those technologies and emerging circumstances and requirements. I understand that the performance of the scanner van has been under evaluation on an ongoing basis since its acquisition, and that the possibility of augmenting this resource with additional similar units is being considered. The question of funding will be addressed when a final determination has been made on scanner van requirements.
