Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2012
141 Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he will allocate funding to purchase additional mobile X-ray scanner and a cutter vessel for customs and excise; if he will apply for European Union funding to cover these costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5407/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of taxes and duties and for tackling the smuggling of dutiable and prohibited goods, including tobacco products and narcotics, that they regard anti-smuggling prevention as a high priority area. The use of enforcement equipment such as mobile X-ray scanners, Revenue cutters and other detection technologies is just one part of a multi-faceted strategy employed by Revenue to tackle smuggling. This strategy includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of smuggling activity and developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis. It necessitates ongoing review of operational policies and optimum deployment of resources at points of importation and inland to intercept contraband product.
Revenue consistently monitors ongoing developments in available X-ray and other technologies, and the selection and deployment of detection equipment is constantly reviewed. Revenue has made use of the European Union Hercule II Programme in the past to fund detection equipment and will apply for funding, when appropriate, in the future. The actual technology selected and the operational deployment of that technology is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners.
Under the present rules of the EU Hercule II Programme, Ireland would have to fund a minimum of 50% of the capital costs and 100% of the on-going operational costs of a new container scanner. The capital cost of a new mobile X-ray container scanner is in the region of €3 million with annual running costs of approximately €320,000.
Revenue currently has two mobile X-ray container scanning systems, the second of which was commissioned in January 2010. One scanner is based in Dublin Port and the other at Rosslare Ferry Port. However, both scanners are available for deployment at other ports as required. Revenue deploys the scanners on a risk assessment basis at various locations throughout the country. In addition to the container scanners, Revenue also uses smaller static baggage/ parcel scanners, which are deployed at all major ports, airports and postal depots. Two new X-ray scanners were also purchased within the last 12 months for use in postal depots. Revenue also expects to procure a smaller mobile Scan Van in 2012 and has submitted an application for co-funding for this to the European Union Hercule II programme. With regard to mobile container scanners Revenue is satisfied that the two main container ports in the State are adequately serviced and has no plans to acquire any such additional scanners.
The Revenue Commissioners currently have two cutters in service, RCC Suirbheir, which was brought into service in 2004 and RCC Faire, which entered service in 2009. Both vessels are involved on an ongoing basis in the patrol and monitoring of the State's maritime jurisdiction and adjacent waters. These patrol/monitoring activities are aimed at the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of prohibited and dutiable goods, including narcotics and tobacco products, smuggled or illegally imported into, or intended to be exported out of, the State/EU. They are also involved in servicing national and international arrangements and Mutual Assistance requests from other jurisdictions.
The Revenue cutters are part of a multi-faceted strategy employed by Revenue in combating drugs trafficking and other smuggling by sea. The Revenue cutters operate in co-operation with land based Revenue officials and other State enforcement agencies to combat drugs trafficking into Ireland by sea and co-operating with international customs agencies to combat international drugs trafficking by sea.
Revenue constantly monitors its equipment requirements in the light of new technologies and changing risks. They have advised that they are satisfied that there is no current requirement for an additional cutter.
