Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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259. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide the necessary funding to replace the Revenue Commissioners' custom vessels; and if so, when the tender for the replacement of the vessels will be published. [24384/22]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that it has two cutters (patrol vessels) in service, at the moment. One of those vessels is approaching the end of its service life and I am informed by Revenue that it intends to purchase a replacement vessel. It is anticipated that the relevant procurement competition will include an option for a second vessel which could be a future replacement for the second vessel in time. Revenue is finalising the detailed specifications and requirements in regard to the procurement of a replacement cutter with the intention to publish a tender in 2022.

I have been consistently strongly supportive in ensuring that Revenue has the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate in respect of functions that are critical for its effective functioning as a tax and customs administration and for the State generally. The necessary funding to acquire these cutters will come from a combination of State resources and available EU funds. In that regard, Revenue is engaging with applicable EU grant funding programmes to support this initiative.