Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 239: To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to establish a border inspection post at Killybegs Harbour, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32344/08]

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 is accommodated in Killybegs Fisheries Harbour Centre. The Revenue Customs Mobile Enforcement Service also covers Killybegs Port as part of their ongoing patrols. Customs officers have assessed the risk at Killybegs and other ports or landing places over a number of years and this assessment is continually updated. Attendance by Customs 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.

Patrols of the ports are kept under constant review 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. The Revenue Commissioners have placed an order for a second cutter with a delivery date of September 2009 and this vessel will be of further benefit in the implementation of maritime border controls. Where necessary, Revenue can call on assistance from the Naval Service and the Air Corps. There are no plans to extend the current level of border inspection at Killybegs Port.