Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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263. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of drug sniffer dogs that are allocated by the Revenue Commissioners to patrol the Border, midlands and west region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14042/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they currently have 14 detector dogs at their disposal, 8 of which are specifically trained in drugs detection. One detector dog team focused on drugs is based in Revenue's Border, Midlands and West Region, and teams from other areas of the country are available for deployment within the Region as required, on a risk assessment basis.

The experience of the Revenue Commissioners is that detector dog teams play an important part in detecting and seizing illicit drugs, cash and tobacco.  Three additional dog teams are being commissioned at present, two of which will have drugs detection capability. This will bring the total number of teams with drugs detection capability to 10. The Commissioners consider that this complement will provide the requisite support for their detection and enforcement work, but the position will be kept under review on an ongoing basis, in light of emerging circumstances and requirements.