Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:48. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Finance the number of sniffer dogs that customs and excise officers have at their disposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43499/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 10 October 2012
Ceisteanna (48)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that their Customs Service currently deploys 13 detector dog teams at strategic locations throughout the country. Each team comprises a detector dog and handler. The dogs are used in the detection of drugs, tobacco and cash. Passive dogs are used as this allows for the screening of passengers as well as merchandise and baggage. The detector dog teams play an important role in delivering on Revenue’s commitments to the Supply Reduction Pillar of the Government’s National Drugs Strategy. In keeping with its commitment to the National Drug Strategy, Revenue has considerably enhanced its drug detection capability on a number of fronts and in this regard, the number of detector dog teams was increased substantially in recent years.
While the teams are primarily deployed within their Region of assignment, they are also available for deployment elsewhere, as appropriate. Revenue also ensures that its detector dog teams maintain a high public visibility at the ports, airports, postal depots and freight forwarders’ premises in which they routinely operate. The Customs detector dog teams also assist in operations carried out by An Garda Síochána, whenever requested to do so.
Approval has been given for the assignment of two additional detector dog teams, trained to scent tobacco and tobacco/cash. These additional teams are currently in training and they are expected to be operational in December 2012.