Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 482: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of sea patrols carried out by the customs and excise along the north west coast each month in 2005 and to date in 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28608/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that their Maritime Unit carries out surveillance and interception operations at sea, as determined by assessment of risk of illicit activity, or by specific intelligence reports. In this regard, I am assured by Revenue that the North West coast is monitored in the same way as other parts of the Irish coastline.

The Deputy will however understand, that information regarding the place and frequency, on a month-by-month basis, of such operations should not be disclosed, even on a historical basis, because of the danger that criminals might be able to perceive and exploit a pattern to this activity.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 483: To ask the Minister for Finance if the customs and excise or Revenue Commissioners sold any rigid inflatable boats in the past twelve months; if so, the reason for the sale; where and when were they advertised for sale; the revenue received on their sale; the reason the custom service invested in the boats and then sold them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28609/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners they have not sold any rigid inflatable boats in the past twelve months. In that period, one boat was however transferred to the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources on the basis that it was no longer in use by Revenue and would be of benefit to the Coastguard Service.