Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
210. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year cost of purchasing eight extra dogs for the Revenue Commissioners dog unit; if there will there be an increase in the number of dogs in the unit having regard to Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33308/19]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that the initial cost of each additional detection dog team is approximately €100,000. This includes the cost of a trained detection dog, salary of the handler, 8 weeks training for the handler with the dog, a fully fitted out dog transport van, a kennel and associated security at the handler’s home. The ongoing annual cost would be in the region of €40,000 which would include salary, allowances, uniform, food, vet bills and other related costs.
Revenue currently operate a complement of 25 Detection Dog Teams, each consisting of one detection dog with a trained handler. There are no immediate plans to increase the number of Detection Dog Teams for Brexit. Revenue keeps its detection dog requirements under constant review having regard to risk assessment and operational needs.
