Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Obviously, it is important that there be absolute clarity from all of us on how we view these issues. Cross-Border crime continues to be a very significant issue. These matters are kept under constant review at an operational level in light of the various changing operational demands and the analysis of crime trends. Certainly, it is an operational decision as to whether another task force is necessary. There are two already. We need to ensure we make the very best use of the resources in An Garda Síochána and also the cross-Border resources. There is a clear need to identify this issue as a priority on both sides of the Border. I have no doubt but that it is identified as an absolute priority.

Let me put on the floor of the House the facts on the Revenue Commissioners, which show the success of some of the operations. We do not hear enough about this sometimes. The statistics also show the scale of the problem. In 2014 alone, there were 1,109 detections of marked fuel oil, and two oil laundries were detected and shut down, resulting in the seizure of 50,340 litres of oil. There were 5,852 seizures of cigarettes by the Revenue Commissioners, with 53 million cigarettes seized, to a value of €25.5 million. Very significant operations are being carried out in the Border area to tackle fuel and cigarette smuggling and other illegal activity, which must be dealt with head-on.

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