Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

On 26 September 2023, the Revenue Commissioners searched the vessel and 2,253 kg of cocaine was found concealed on board. The vessel was seized by the Revenue Commissioners on 19 October 2023 and a notice of seizure was published in Iris Oifigiúil on 20 October 2023. Since its detention, the MV Matthew has been held in the custody of Revenue Commissioners and remains berthed in the Port of Cork. Revenue has incurred necessary and significant costs relating to insuring and crewing the vessel, namely, provisioning, bunkering, fuel supplies, berthage and other port-related costs, essential repairs and maintenance. Given the nature and the size of the vessel, it is necessary to have a 24-7 crew presence on board, even while it is berthed in the port.