It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 122 to 129, inclusive, together.
I am aware of the interest of the Irish Customs and Excise Union in combatting the illegal importation of drugs, an interest which has been communicated to me and to the Revenue Commissioners and which has frequently been expressed through various media outlets.
The prevention and detection of drug smuggling is of major concern to the Revenue Commissioners, who have ensured that trained customs staff are deployed in the most effective manner possible in order to control such smuggling. In addition, customs investigation branch officers who specialise in the drugs problem maintain close liaison with enforcement agencies in many other countries.
It is the responsibility of all officers of customs and excise employed at points of entry to the State to be on the alert to detect drug smuggling and consequently all such officers receive training in the identification and detection of drugs. In addition, customs staff at entry points have been issued with the most modern identification equipment available. Close liaison is also maintained with the Garda and with enforcement agencies in other countries to pool and develop intelligence concerning the movement of drugs and to co-ordinate joint actions on a national and international basis.
The Revenue Commissioners are at present reviewing all aspects of customs' control of drug importations, including the development of customs staff, in conjunction with recent recommendations of the special Governmental Task Force on drug abuse with a view to possible improvement in the overall effectiveness of customs and excise measures in this area.
