Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

261. To ask the Minister for Finance the additional equipment or resources the customs and excise division of the Revenue Commissioners have received in 2013 via the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14029/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a scanner van, an additional detector dog and three modern replacement baggage x-ray scanners, which were all part-funded under the EU's Hercule II programme, were brought into service during 2013.

The scanner van is a specialist vehicle that incorporates x-ray and radiation detection facilities. It is used for monitoring baggage and cargo at ports and airports for drugs, tobacco products, radioactive materials and other contraband. It also allows Revenue enforcement officers to perform controls at other locations such as warehouses and courier depots.

The additional detector dog brought the complement of detector dog teams to 14. Three more teams are being commissioned at present, and further funding under the Hercule II programme has been made available for that purpose. The three replacement baggage x-ray scanners are located at Dublin and Shannon Airports and Rosslare Ferry Port. This additional or improved scanning capability, and the additional detector dog, will play an important part in Revenue's work to detect and seize illicit products and substances. The Revenue Commissioners will keep their requirements in this field under review, taking account of technological developments and emerging circumstances and requirements, and will seek to avail of EU support for capability enhancements, where available.