Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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149. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to provide funding for the purchase of an additional mobile X-ray scanner to the Revenue Commissioners. [1498/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Revenue currently has three mobile scanner systems. Two of these are mobile X-ray container scanning systems that are based at Dublin Port and Rosslare Ferry Port respectively. Both of these scanners are available for deployment at other ports, and at other locations such as warehouses, as required, and Revenue utilises them, on a risk assessment basis, at various locations throughout the country. The other mobile scanning system is a Scan Van that was acquired in July 2012. This specialist vehicle incorporates an X-ray facility, radiation detection facilities and ionscan technology. It is used for monitoring baggage and cargo at airports and ports for narcotics, cigarettes, radioactive materials and other contraband. It also allows Revenue enforcement officers to perform controls at other locations such as warehouses and courier depots.

The mobile scanner systems are complemented by static baggage/parcel scanners in all major ports, airports and postal depots. I am advised that three modern replacement baggage X-ray scanners were purchased in the recent past for use at Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport and Rosslare Ferry Port.

The Revenue Commissioners continuously review their detection equipment requirements, taking account of developments in detection technologies, and have availed of part-funding under the European Union's Hercule II programme to acquire such equipment. I understand that they are generally satisfied with their current scanning capabilities and consider that the container ports are adequately serviced by the two mobile X-ray container scanning systems. I am advised also that the performance of the Scan Van since its acquisition is being evaluated on an ongoing basis and that the possibility of augmenting this resource with additional units is being considered.