John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Finance the date on which the new cutter vessel will be assigned to operating around the northwest coast; the port at which the vessel will be based; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that due to no vessels being on patrol along the northwest coast shipments of drugs can be landed along the coastline without any restriction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3090/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that construction of the second Revenue cutter is proceeding and delivery is expected in September 2009.

The second cutter will enhance the operating scope of Revenue's maritime unit, currently operating the RCC Suirbhéir cutter. The deployment of both crafts will, as always, be determined by risk, as indicated by intelligence developed internally by Revenue or received from other agencies in Ireland and abroad. All areas of the Irish coast, including the North West, are regularly visited by the existing cutter, to examine and explore identified risks and to enhance relationships between Revenue and coastal communities. In addition, Revenue can call on assistance from the Naval Service, the Air Corps and the Coastguard.

Procurement of a second cutter will enable a more extensive scheme of deployment. It is expected that both cutters will spend most of their time working in locations around the coast, away from their home port of Cork. They are based in Cork because of the convenience of berthing, maintenance and dry-docking; and because the South West coast is proven to be at the highest risk of drug landings from small craft.