Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 196: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if customs clearance facilities are available at all harbours, ports and airports that facilitate through traffic from abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3886/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that there is a permanent customs presence at all major ports and airports where goods are brought into the State. These staff are responsible primarily for operating all necessary controls and for dealing with any trade facilitation needs that arise. In the case of smaller ports/airports, where the type and volume of business conducted does not justify the deployment of a permanent customs presence, staff attend regularly as a check against the landing (or exportation) of prohibited goods, in particular, controlled drugs.

I am further advised that as a general rule, customs clearance for compliant businesses is an electronic transaction which takes place via Revenue's Automated Entry Processing (AEP) System. The AEP system was completely re-developed in 2007 and embraces modern technologies, allows traders direct access via the Revenue on Line Services (ROS) and permits greater scope for flexibility and trade facilitation. The principal objective is to permit legitimate trade to move goods with minimum interference from Revenue, subject to compliance with relevant EU and national rules. 98% of all customs declarations at import, and 99% of export declarations are made using the AEP system.