Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Finance the references to drugs and drug seizures in the Revenue's business plans for each of the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; if he is satisfied that Revenue is deploying the necessary resources at ports and privately owned airports in order to bring about the necessary drug seizures; if he is concerned that there is no customs presence at several airports in terms of searching privately owned aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19736/11]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 107: To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in a criminal case involving a large seizure of drugs at foreign airports (details supplied) and which were bound for a privately owned airport here that the presiding judge made strong reference in handing down a custodial sentence that he was concerned at the fact that there was inadequate customs presence at privately owned airfields and airports and said there was a significant case for review of security; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this matter was raised in Dáil Éireann by a Deputy in the past; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19737/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 107 together.

The Customs Service of the Revenue Commissioners has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection and seizure of controlled drugs at importation. It has particular responsibility for implementing import controls at points of entry to the State, specifically at ports and airports, including licensed airfields, and on the land frontier. Revenue's annual Corporate Plans reflect the actions and targets outlined in the current 2009-2016 and in the earlier 2000-2008 National Drugs Strategy. The Revenue Corporate Plan for 2011 states that Revenue will contribute to the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 targets through increased drugs supply detections in 2011 with improved intelligence and enhanced Memoranda of Understanding programmes.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that there is a permanent customs presence at Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports and at the main ports and the staffing resource at these locations is kept under ongoing review. It is important to note by way of context that the operating environment for customs has been shaped to a significant degree by the introduction of the Internal Market and the related principle of freedom of movement within the EU. Of specific relevance is the abolition of routine and systematic customs checks on goods and passengers moving within any part of the Union. This is particularly relevant in the case of airfields where traffic is predominantly intra-Community.

In this context, Revenue's approach has, of necessity, been to balance the freedom of movement principle in relation to persons and goods with the need to control smuggling and enforce prohibitions and restrictions. In this regard all enforcement interventions in intra-Community traffic across the European Union are by necessity carried out on a risk and intelligence basis. International experience has also shown that this is the most effective and productive approach in the fight against drug smuggling.

Customs controls at regional airports and public and private aerodromes are risk-based and are carried out by mobile customs enforcement officers. Attendance by these officers is selective and targeted and is based on analysis and evaluation of national and international seizure trends, local traffic frequency and routes and on other profiling indicators. Attendance can also result from specific intelligence relevant to a particular location. Flights with origins and destinations attracting a high-risk rating attract particular interest. Attendance by customs enforcement personnel covers the full range of flight times and is adapted to take account of emerging trends and any increase or changes to traffic at particular airfields. There were 606 enforcement visits undertaken to regional airports and public and private aerodromes in 2008, 694 in 2009 and 635 in 2010.

Revenue's Customs Service liaises and shares intelligence on an ongoing basis with other national and international enforcement agencies such as An Garda Síochána, the Naval Service, Air Corps and foreign customs and police services. It participates on a regular basis in European bilateral and national surveillance operations focused on specific drug smuggling methodologies and routings. Some of these operations are specifically directed at light aircraft and helicopter movements. Both Customs and Gardaí meet regularly and work closely together to improve co-operation with the operators of airfields to help them prevent the use of their facilities by persons involved in international drug trafficking.

I am aware of the criminal case referred to by the Deputy, which was the subject of a previous Parliamentary Question. I am not in a position to comment on the operational aspects of any given case. However, in 2007, in the light of concerns following that particular drug seizure, the Customs Service carried out an extensive review of controls at private airfields and have implemented the recommendations arising from that review. In this regard I am advised that the Revenue Commissioners are satisfied that current controls and monitoring at these locations are effective and proportionate and in line with best international practice.