Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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180. To ask the Minister for Finance if he is aware that there are no detector drugs dogs working in Ireland West Airport, Knock or assigned to the Border-midlands-west region since early 2016; if he can provide a guarantee as to when a drugs detector dog will be assigned with permanent staff to this airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22310/16]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that their Customs Service currently deploys seventeen detector dog teams nine of which have drug detection capabilities. I am advised by Revenue that as part of its risk focused approach to combatting illegal drugs importations, all ports and airports are monitored and evaluated from the point of view of potential for smuggling. Resources are deployed to areas of highest risk. Employment strength is augmented with additional personnel and resources as the need arises.

Revenue is satisfied that the total number of dog units is sufficient for current day-to-day operations but this is kept under constant review.