John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Finance the number of ships or boats which were searched for drugs and tobacco products by customs officers at all ports in County Donegal and County Sligo in the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3359/09]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, in line with best practice in Customs administrations worldwide, Revenue regards the development of information and intelligence as critical to the detection of the smuggling of drugs and fiscal products. Revenue continuously assesses the risk along the Sligo and Donegal coast, including risks in relation to small ports and other landing places, which may be utilised for the illegal importation of drugs and tobacco products. The coastline is patrolled on an ongoing basis. Enforcement activity is selective and targeted and is based on analysis and evaluation of national and international seizure trends, traffic frequency, routes and other risk indicators as well as specific intelligence. Surveillance of vessels on their arrival on the Irish coast, their stay in port and their journey out of port is also an integral part of Revenue's enforcement strategy. Customs officers liaise with local Gardaí, Harbour Masters and Coastguard Officers regarding drugs and with trade interests in respect of fiscal products. The level of enforcement is under constant review to take account of available intelligence and emerging smuggling trends.

A selection of ships and boats have been targeted in the years in question, involving Customs staff assembling a profile of the vessels, undertaking covert surveillance, examining crew lists, interviewing the captains and undertaking rummage operations. However, it is not the policy of the Revenue Commissioners to publish details of such enforcement activities as this could prejudice current or future operations.

As well as land-based staff, Revenue has a sea-going vessel, the Customs Cutter, which patrols the coastline. Revenue has placed a contract for a second cutter, delivery of which is expected towards the end of 2009 and this vessel will be of further benefit in the fight against illegal drugs and other smuggling. Where necessary, Revenue can call on assistance from the Naval Service, the Air Corps and the Coastguard.

I am further advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, in recognition of the risk of landing illegal drugs or fiscal products anywhere around the coast, 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 smuggling by noting any unusual or suspicious activity and reporting it immediately to a local Customs Drugs Watch Officer.