Mary Wallace (Meath, Fianna Fail)

Our understanding is that there is very active vigilance and great co-operation between our Department and the Customs and Excise personnel searching for excisable goods. Searches are carried out in conjunction with both. One of the key ways we have of identifying people coming from third countries is to interview them. We find the interviews are a success in that respect, and they are followed by the searching of bags.

With regard to voluntary disclosures in the airports, bins are provided and the hope is that with extensive advertising, announcements on aircraft and the substantial number of posters provided by our Department in several languages, somebody who inadvertently carries a product might realise they should dispose of the product in the bin provided.

We also encourage the embassies to be actively involved, as well as the transport operators, whom we ask to suggest that passengers check our website. Between all of that, and the postering, we feel the message should get across.

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