Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. The recommendation does not seek to take powers from Revenue but, rather, to facilitate its officers in working with An Garda Síochána. Retailers have argued that gardaí are being hampered in their work in circumstances where a Revenue officer is not immediately available. The requirement that Revenue must lead a search may be hindering investigations in some cases. Specifically, retailers are concerned that gardaí could find themselves in a situation where they encounter something suspicious but their powers are not sufficient to act. By the time Revenue officers are engaged, it may be too late to apprehend a person potentially engaged in smuggling. I will withdraw the recommendation at this stage, but I hope the Minister of State will take it on board for the future.