Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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161. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of staff employed to deal with customs checks at ports and airports in January 2020 and January 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2835/21]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that as an integrated tax and customs administration, Revenue deploys resources based on evolving business needs and to tackle any risks as they emerge.

Over the last 2 years the number of Revenue staff assigned to our ports and airports has more than doubled over previous levels. In January 2020 there were 564 Revenue staff assigned to our ports and airports, while at 1 January 2021, this had increased to 666 staff.

Staff at ports and airports may be involved in a range of trade facilitation and enforcement duties to facilitate the movement of imports from, and exports to, countries outside the EU is in accordance with legislative requirements.

I am advised that Revenue will continue to review and adjust staff deployment in response to business needs, including developments related to the UK's departure from the EU.