Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 105: To ask the Minister for Finance his views on the use of customs sniffer dogs at Knock Airport as a detection tool and as a deterrent to drug pushers in view of the escalating drug problem; if he will comment on the need for such dogs to be used in this situation; if he will make a statement on plans he has in this regard; if he has no plans, if he can explain the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37255/06]

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will detail the customs physical presence at Ireland West Airport, Knock on a 24 hour basis; the amount of time not covered by a custom presence at the airport; the percentage of time detailed not covered; when and the number of flights not covered; if none are covered by a physical customs presence at the airport his views on whether this situation is satisfactory; his views on whether Ireland is doing all it can as an EU member in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37348/06]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 106 together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Knock Airport does not have a permanent Customs presence. Mobile enforcement staff, including a sniffer dog, attend incoming and outward flights as necessary based on risk-focussed criteria.

Flights into and out of Knock are, for the most part, intra-EU. Since 1993 Customs Authorities are not permitted to impose systematic checks on travellers whose point of origin is within the EU. In effect intra-EU flights have been regarded as domestic since 1993. Selective customs checks of such flights for prohibited goods can be carried out only on the basis of "reasonable grounds for suspicion".

Based on the level of traffic, control of the airport using mobile enforcement staff is considered adequate. During the first nine months of this year there were 3,517 incoming flights (an average of approximately 13 flights per day), mainly from other EU states, carrying 264,000 passengers. Unannounced customs interventions took place in respect of 510 of these flights. A sniffer dog was used at the airport on 64 days during this period.

Revenue's assessment of the risks of drugs smuggling through airports — and the deployment of Customs staff to meet those risks — is kept continuously under review. I am also conscious of our obligations to our EU partners in the fight against drug trafficking and this is reflected in the action points contained in the supply reduction pillar of our own National Drugs Strategy.