Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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314. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated full year cost of doubling the number of dogs in the Revenue Commissioners dog unit; and his plans to expand this service in the context of Brexit. [34840/20]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that it currently operates 18 Detector Dog Teams, which includes one team working on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Revenue has 4 dog teams currently in training, with training for a further 4 teams planned for early in 2021. This will bring Revenue’s complement of dog teams to 26.

I am advised by Revenue that the initial cost of each additional detection dog team is approximately €100,000. This includes the cost of a trained detection dog, salary of the handler, 8 weeks training for the handler with the dog, a fully fitted out dog transport van, a kennel and associated security at the handler’s home. The ongoing annual cost would be in the region of €40,000 per dog team which includes salary, allowances, uniform, food, vet bills and other related costs .

I am advised by Revenue that while Brexit has an impact in terms of Customs formalities such as declarations, the overall level of traffic and the risk profile of that traffic will not change materially and that the current planned number of dog teams is sufficient to manage the risk.

However, Revenue keeps its detection dog requirements under ongoing review having regard to risk assessment and operational needs. The number of detection dog teams is adjusted, as necessary, in the light of that ongoing review.