Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 142: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of boats available to customs officers to assist their efforts to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs into Ireland. [35126/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they work very closely with other Agencies in limiting and attempting to prevent the importation of drugs into the State. In the control of coastal smuggling, the co-operation of the Navy, the Garda Síochána, fishermen's organisations, harbour authorities and of coastal communities is hugely valuable. The Customs responsibility is for the coast itself and coastal waters.

As part of its strategy, Revenue purchased a 23 metre cutter, the RCC Suirbhéir, with full sea-going capability and on board RIB (an inflatable dinghy attached to the back of the cutter). This vessel began active work in 2005, with a specially trained and highly skilled crew of Revenue officials. Since then, it has proved its usefulness in patrolling coastal waters, drug seizures and building stronger ties with coastal communities. It has taken part in several operations, including international operations to track and investigate suspicious vessels. Its role was crucial recently in the recovery of drugs at Dunlough Bay in Cork, and off the Galway coast.