Catherine Murphy
Question:70. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year cost if the number of Revenue Commissioners drugs detection teams increased to 41. [29931/23]
View answerWednesday, 21 June 2023
Questions (70)
Written answers
I understand that the Deputy confirmed that the question refers to dog detector teams. I am advised by Revenue that it currently operates 23 detector dog teams, including one team working on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The year one cost of each detector dog team is approximately €100,000. This includes the cost of a trained detector dog, salary of the handler, training for the handler with the dog, transport, and kennelling arrangements. Subsequent costs associated with each detector dog team is approximately €40,000 per annum. This includes salary, allowances, uniform, food, vet bills and other related costs. If the number of detector dog teams were increased to 41, the estimated full cost in year one, including costs associated with 18 new teams and the 23 teams currently operating, would be approximately €2.7 million. The ongoing annual cost of 41 teams would be approximately €1.6 million.
I am advised by Revenue that the dog detector teams are an important component of Revenue’s enforcement assets that are complemented by a broad suite of detection equipment and technologies deployed to target fraud, illicit trade, smuggling and organised crime. Scan technology is deployed at all major points of entry and works in tandem with the dog detector teams. Revenue’s approach to targeting illicit activities on the lines outlined involves the use of analytics and detection technologies and ensuring the optimum deployment of resources on a risk-focused basis. In that context, I understand that operational requirements and arrangements regarding the deployment and use of detection technology and resources, including dog detector teams, are kept under regular review by Revenue having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs.
I am strongly supportive of Revenue having the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate in respect of its responsibilities, responsibilities that are critical for its effective functioning as a tax and customs administration and for the effective functioning of the State generally. I am always open to considering any proposals from Revenue regarding additional resources to support its important work in targeting fraud, illicit trade and smuggling in light of developments and experience.