Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2006
154 Ms C. Murphy asked the Minister for Finance in view of the fact that Weston Aerodrome has had it classification changed, the action which has been taken to increase the frequency customs inspections of flights there; if there are plans to install permanent customs officials at the aerodrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30193/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraWeston Aerodrome has been re-classified as a Category C airport by the Irish Aviation Authority. This classification now means that Weston has controlled airspace in conjunction with Dublin and Baldonnel airports. This reclassification does not change the type or size of aircraft currently capable of using Weston.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there have been no alterations to the Conditions of Approval granted to Weston Ltd by the Revenue Commissioners. The Office of the Revenue Commissioners has responsibility for the collection of all import duties and the enforcement of prohibitions or restrictions which may apply at import. In particular the Office has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, and seizure of controlled drugs at importation. They have responsibility for implementing import controls at points of entry into the State, specifically, at ports, airports, including licensed airfields, and on the land frontier.
Control of Weston Aerodrome, and other licensed airfields in the Dublin Region, is carried out by Customs Teams attached to the Dublin Enforcement District. These are dedicated anti-smuggling teams, which focus on the smuggling of prohibited drugs, and fiscal products. Other duties undertaken by Officers in attendance at Weston Aerodrome include clearance of aircraft and passengers arriving from third countries, spot checks on EU flights, verification of fuel Drawback Claims, verification of End-Use Authorisations, clearance of aircraft under Transfer of Residence, and checks on private aircraft to ensure compliance with import procedures (new means of transport).
In 2004, Officers attached to the Dublin Enforcement District carried out 12 planned and 6 unplanned visits to Weston. During 2005, 10 planned and 6 unplanned visits; and to-date in 2006, 11 planned and 3 unplanned visits have been made to Weston by Officers from this district. All Customs operations are risk focused, and staff deployed to combat areas of greatest risk. The level of activity at Weston Aerodrome is constantly monitored from a risk perspective. Revenue will, of course, review their risk assessments in light of the reported heroin seizure in Belgium earlier this week involving a Weston-based plane.
