Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of trained customs staff deployed at Killybegs and Letterkenny ports; if a risk assessment has been carried out on non tidal ports along the west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26257/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that one officer is assigned full time to Killybegs port and mobile enforcement staff also cover that port as part of their ongoing patrols. As there has been no shipping activity in Letterkenny port for a long number of years, no officer has been assigned to that port but several Customs staff are based in Letterkenny town.

Customs officers have assessed the risk along the west coast over a number of years, including any small ports and other landing places, and this assessment is being continually updated. All of the coastline is patrolled by Customs officers on an ongoing basis. Attendance by these officers is selective and targeted and is based on analysis and evaluation of national and international seizure trends, traffic frequency, routes and other risk indicators. Attendance can also be as a result of specific intelligence. These patrols are kept under constant review in particular to take account of available intelligence and emerging smuggling trends.

As well as land-based Customs staff, Revenue has a sea-going vessel, the Customs Cutter, which patrols the coastline. Where necessary, Revenue can call on assistance from the Naval Service and the Air Corps.

I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are fully aware of the possibility of the landing of illegal drugs anywhere around the coast and they are actively promoting the Customs Drugs Watch programme in all coastal areas. This programme seeks to enlist the help of the public in combating drug smuggling by noting any unusual or suspicious activity and reporting it immediately to a local Customs Drugs Watch Officer.

The Revenue Commissioners have placed an order for a second cutter which is expected to be operational by late 2009 and this vessel will be of further benefit in the fight against illegal drugs.