Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 139: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to develop the customs division drug sniffer dog team from the current level of 11, particularly in the context of a rise in availability nationally of a variety of drugs and also in the context of the significant services that are being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37074/05]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Customs and Excise has increased the number of detector dog teams deployed from nine to 11 this year. As part of this expansion, a cash detection dog team has been deployed in recent weeks to fulfil the developing role of the Customs and Excise under the proceeds of crime legislation. The deployment of such resources is in keeping with the Government's 2001-08 national drugs strategy. In this context, it should be pointed out that the Customs and Excise had seven detector dogs teams in 2001. The detector dog teams, which assisted in the detection and seizure of drugs worth €6.4 million in 2004, provide back-up support to the Garda Síochána, on request. The Revenue Commissioners constantly evaluate their drug detection resources and have made provision for the training of two detector dog teams next year.