Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:41 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance whether sufficient resources are being allocated to customs officers in the fight against drug smuggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Drug Smuggling.
As the Deputy will be aware, a Customs National Drugs Team (CNDT) was set up by the Revenue Commissioners with the advent of the Single Market in view of the increased role which Ireland is now required to play in protecting our own coastline as well as that of the European Union, in the battle against the illegal importation of drugs. The CNDT, comprising over seventy staff, consists of Intelligence Units, Operational Units, Maritime Units and Sniffer-dog Units, which are strategically based at locations throughout the country. All units are mobile and are based at locations covering the entire coastline. They employ the most modern means of communication and have access to aerial and sea surveillance. These specialist officials supplement the general cadre of Customs and Excise staff who are also responsible for the detection and prevention of drug smuggling as part of their normal duties. Furthermore, I would remind Deputies that since the abolition of systematic checks at internal Union frontiers on 1 January 1993 I have been pressing the case at European Union level for the provision of further assistance which will enhance and improve our capability in combating drug smuggling.
In the circumstances, I am satisfied with the present deployment of Customs and Excise resources and that every effort is being made to maximise and avail of the most up-to-date resources available to combat drug smuggling.