Written answers

Thursday, 8 February 2007

Department of Finance

Airport Customs Controls

5:00 pm

Photo of Catherine MurphyCatherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Finance if the review of customs arrangements at Weston Aerodrome has been completed; the recommendations of the review; if customs inspections at the facility will be stepped up as a result of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4478/07]

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, following a seizure of heroin in Belgium and the related arrest of three Irish nationals last year, the Revenue Commissioners initiated a review of Customs Controls at Licensed Aerodromes. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that their review has now been completed. The review examined the controls, the conditions of approval and the risks, from a Customs point of view, attached to the operation of the aerodromes.

It is important to note by way of context that the operating environment for Customs has been shaped to a significant degree by the introduction of the Internal Market and the related principles of freedom of movement within the European Union. Of specific relevance are the abolition of routine and systematic Customs checks on goods and passengers moving within any part of the EU and the elimination of Customs controls on the baggage of intra-community passengers other than anti-smuggling checks. In this context, Revenue's approach has of necessity been to balance the freedom of movement principle in regard to people and goods with the need to control smuggling and enforce prohibitions and restrictions.

The Revenue Commissioners have informed me that the key conclusions of the review team are as follows:

The risk based approach being adopted is a sound one, indeed the only appropriate one in the circumstances;

Intelligence and related risk-rating rely on timely information and need to be reviewed regularly;

Ireland's approach is in line with the methodology adopted by other EU administrations in similar circumstances;

The increase in the volume of international air traffic requires a corresponding increase in Revenue activity.

The Revenue Commissioners have also informed me that drawing on the conclusions, they have agreed on recommendations. They have drawn up a wide ranging Implementation Plan covering diverse areas including visits to aerodromes, risk rating, the issue of approvals, guidance for staff, training and deepening of co-operation with other agencies. The Revenue regions are giving the control of smaller aerodromes specific attention in their business plans for 2007.

The Revenue Commissioners assure me that having regard to the context set out above, they are satisfied that their risk based approach remains valid and that, with the implementation of the review recommendations, their operations will be on a par with, and may even exceed, those of many other EU Member States. I am also assured that the Revenue Commissioners continue their strong commitment to playing their part in combating smuggling criminal activity without unduly impeding international travellers or international trade.

It will be appreciated that the Revenue Commissioners do not intended publishing the Report of the Review Group, as to do so would, for operational reasons, be counterproductive.

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