John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 163: To ask the Minister for Finance when the last cutters boat was sold; the reason for the sale of the boat; the amount of finance realised by the boat's sale; if it was sold as a result of a public tendering process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25258/08]

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 164: To ask the Minister for Finance when the new cutters boat will come into service; the number of staff trained for the detection of drugs, for the searching of boats and the searching of persons who will man the boat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25259/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Revenue Customs Service operates one cutter which entered service in June 2004 following an EU Public Procurements process. This cutter has not been sold. Revenue, as part of its coastal control/anti-smuggling development programme, is currently in the process of acquiring a second Customs cutter which will be delivered in late 2009. All staff/crew assigned to the Cutter will be trained in the required range of Customs skills including search of persons and of vessels.

The Deputy may also wish to be aware that a number of small, open, rigid inflatable boats, acquired by the Customs Service in 1992/93 were disposed of by way of asset transfer to other State Agencies (Irish Coast Guard Service) where they have been re-furbished and are in use as training craft for their volunteers.