I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that all commercial shipping into the ports in question is subject to risk profiling. The decision on whether or not to search vessels is taken following risk assessment and the review of intelligence. Standardised Risk Assessments (SRAs) are an important part of intelligence and profiling work. SRAs produce risk indicators for the purpose of targeting goods and vessels by Customs officers, either for physical inspection or post importation enquiries.
Revenue enforcement staff monitor the ports of Galway, Sligo and Killybegs as part of their ongoing patrols, while the Customs Cutters patrol the coastline. The attendance of Revenue staff is selective and targeted and is based on analysis of seizure trends, traffic frequency, routes and other risk indicators as well as specific intelligence. The following table sets out the number of Revenue attendances overseeing all vessels and traffic at the listed ports for the period in question. While there is constant monitoring of the ports and the coastline, it is not the policy of the Revenue Commissioners to publish precise details of enforcement activities as this could prejudice current and future operations.
|
2009
|
2010 (to end Oct)
|
Galway
|
105
|
90
|
Sligo
|
8
|
20
|
Killybegs
|
46
|
54
|
Revenue continuously assesses the risk along the coast, including any small ports and other landing places, for the illegal importation of drugs and contraband. Revenue officers liaise with local Gardaí, Harbour Masters and the Coastguard regarding drugs and with trade interests in respect of fiscal products. As part of the Customs Drugs Watch programme, a confidential 24/7 free phone is promoted and maintained as a communications channel for the maritime and coastal communities to report suspicious activity. Revenue continues to work proactively with an Garda Síochána and the Naval Service as part of the Joint Task Force on Drugs Interdiction.
In terms of maritime surveillance, there are currently two Customs Cutters in service, the RCC Suirbhéir and the RCC Faire and these support our teams of land-based enforcement officers involved in anti-smuggling duties. Patrols of the ports by the Cutters are kept under constant review to take account of available intelligence and emerging smuggling trends. The Commissioners are satisfied that the current arrangements for maritime and port surveillance are sufficient and effective.