Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2024
153. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the number of X-ray scanners used to detect illicit trade and smuggling at ports and airports; the number of dates on which they were deployed and used at individual named ports and airports in the State in 2023 and to date in 2024; and if it is planned to increase the number of X-ray scanners in use at ports and airports. [17172/24]
View answer154. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the number of sniffers dogs being used to detect illicit trade and smuggling at ports and airports; the number of dates on which they were deployed and used at individual named ports and airports in the State in 2023 and to date in 2024; and if it is planned to increase the number of sniffers dogs in use at ports and airports. [17173/24]
View answer155. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff and other resources being deployed and used at ports and airports to detect non-compliance by individuals with duty-free travel allowances; the number of inspections carried out at individual named ports and airports in the State in 2023 and to date in 2024; and if it is planned to increase the resources in use at ports and airports for this purpose. [17174/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 153 to 155, inclusive, together.
I am advised that Revenue is committed to targeting the illegal importation and exportation of prohibited and restricted goods and implements a range of measures to identify and target illegal smuggling, including duty free tobacco and alcohol in excess of duty-free allowances, and where possible, prosecuting those involved. Revenue’s approach 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 x-ray scanners and detector dog 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 informed that the suite of X-Ray scanners available to officers at the main points of entry, range from handheld scanning devices to scan small packages, baggage scanners for the scanning of passenger luggage and parcels and mobile scanners to scan vehicles and containers. Revenue’s X-Ray container scanning capacity of three mobile container units and its backscatter van allows for the deployment to any port or other relevant location, such as warehouses, throughout the country, having regard to risk and operational needs.
The following table outlines the number of deployments and scans in respect of Revenue’s 3 mobile container scanners and backscatter van for 2023 and to date in 2024. Revenue does not record the dates of such scans.
|
- |
2023 |
To date 2024 |
|
No. of deployments of X-Ray Scanners and Backscatter Van |
1,971 |
424 |
|
Total No. of Scans Conducted |
24,900 |
5,156 |
Revenue currently operates 26 detector dog teams including one team working on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. These teams, which are a national resource and can be deployed across the country depending on operational requirements, work in tandem with the broad suite of detection equipment and technologies deployed by Revenue. These teams are deployed on a daily basis.
Alongside the detection equipment and technologies deployed at the main points of entry, Revenue has a dedicated Maritime Unit and operates two cutters (patrol vessels). The Revenue Maritime Unit has a national remit 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.
Detection equipment and technologies deployed by Revenue are in addition to the application of the comprehensive legal framework in place as set out in relevant tax and customs legislation. Intelligence development and electronic risk analysis tools, including an advanced maritime risk assessment tool used by the Revenue Maritime Unit, form part of Revenue’s overall suite of measures and complement the deployment of detection technologies and equipment, including X-ray scanners and dog detection units.
As Revenue is a fully integrated tax and customs administration, it is not possible to disaggregate the resources deployed to specifically detect non-compliance with duty free allowances. I am informed that Revenue has over 500 staff assigned across our ports and airports, working on a 24/7 basis where relevant. Such staff are involved in a range of trade facilitation and enforcement duties, including enforcement of duty-free allowances.
This Government has been consistent in its strong support for ensuring that Revenue has the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate in respect of functions that are critical for its effective functioning as a tax and customs administration and I remain open to considering any proposals from Revenue for additional resources that will support its work.
