Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 248: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of private aircraft from outside the State in connection with the Ryder Cup event which were subjected to customs checks; his proposals to provide permanent customs checks at the Weston Executive Airport and other small airports here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31248/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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In light of the seizure in Belgium of 50kgs of Heroin last week, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are reviewing the risks attached to the operation of all 27 licensed aerodromes in the State. I am further assured that the monitoring of licensed aerodromes in the State by the Revenue Commissioners is currently in line with international standards. The Customs and Excise Service is continuously engaged in the analysis and evaluation of seizure trends, routes and smuggling risks and consequential resource deployment. All customs operations are risk focussed and staff is deployed to combat areas of greatest risk. The level of activity at licensed aerodromes is constantly monitored from a risk perspective. However, because of concerns raised by the seizure last week, the conditions of approval under which the Revenue Commissioners approve licensed aerodromes will be immediately reviewed by Revenue. This review will include options for improving the level of control and prior reporting of arrivals from EU and non-EU countries. The Revenue Commissioners will also examine the frequency of checking incoming flights to these aerodromes.

The Revenue Commissioners inform me they do not have information on the number of private aircraft which arrived in Ireland from outside the State in connection with the Ryder Cup.