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Naval Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 March 2022

Tuesday, 1 March 2022

Questions (242, 243, 244)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

242. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Finance the number of customs patrols that were cancelled or rescheduled as a result of crewing problems in the Naval Service in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10886/22]

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Sorca Clarke

Question:

243. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Finance if there are plans to increase the number of Naval Service vessels thereby increasing the scope to patrol Irelands waters given the proposed new patrol boats will replace Revenue Commissioner cutter RCC Faire and the RCC Suirbhéir which are approaching the end of their service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10887/22]

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Sorca Clarke

Question:

244. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Finance when the tendering process for the provision of a Customs cutter for Revenue Commissioners is expected to commence [10888/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 242, 243 and 244 together.

I am advised by Revenue that the role of its Maritime Unit, which has a national remit, is to patrol and monitor internal waters, territorial seas and adjacent waters. These patrol and monitoring activities are aimed at the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of illegal importations and exportations of prohibited and restricted goods, including drugs. It is also involved in servicing national and international Memoranda of Understanding and Mutual Assistance requests from other jurisdictions, and works closely with the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N), based in Lisbon, the focus of which is to reduce the threat of drug trafficking into the EU by sea.

Revenue currently has two cutters (patrol vessels) in service, RCC Suirbhéir and RCC Faire, I am informed that Revenue intends to purchase a replacement vessel for RCC Suirbhéir, which is in operation since 2004 and is approaching the end of its service life. As part of the procurement process, Revenue published a Prior Information Notice (PIN) in the Official Journal of the EU in November 2021. The purpose of the PIN was to inform the market that Revenue may seek tenders in 2022 for the provision of a new cutter. It is anticipated that this procurement competition will also include an option for a second vessel which could be a future replacement for RCC Faire, which has been in operation since 2009. I am advised that Revenue is currently finalising the detailed specifications and requirements as regards any cutter which it may seek to acquire through the tender process.  

Finally, the Deputy should note that Revenue’s capacity to carry out customs patrols is independent of the Naval Service. Questions relating to the Naval Service are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Defence.

Question No. 243 answered with Question No. 242.
Question No. 244 answered with Question No. 242.
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