Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a HM Customs and Excise vessel came into a pier (details supplied) on the morning of 30 January 2005; if a statement will be made on the reason for the visit and if the authorities here were made aware of it. [4003/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that HM Customs and Excise have informed them that the customs cutter HMCC Valiant left the quay at Lisahally, Derry, Northern Ireland, on Sunday 30 January 2005 at 9.25 a.m. bound for sea. While transiting Lough Foyle, HMCC Valiant launched her RHIB, rigid inflatable boat, in the fairway at the end of the maintained channel to diagnose an engine problem on HMCC Valiant. The RHIB was launched in the vicinity of Castlecary starboard hand buoy at 10.35 a.m. and recovered at McKinney's port hand buoy at 11 a.m. The fairway is within 400 metres of the Republic of Ireland shore at the closest point, which helped to provide shelter from a westerly wind while checks were carried out. At no time did the RHIB or its occupants land in any area of the shoreline. At all times the above vessel was engaged in innocent passage on a course leading away from the Irish coast.

The Revenue Commissioners also advise me that excellent co-operation exists between the Irish Customs Service and HM Customs and Excise in dealing with international drug trafficking by sea. HM Customs and Excise vessels occasionally visit Irish ports as part of this collaborative working. The arrangements for such visits are covered in a memorandum of understanding between the two services.