Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

166. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated full-year cost in 2023 if the number of dog teams within the Revenue Commissioners increased to 42. [44606/22]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised by Revenue that it currently operates 26 detector dog teams, including one team working on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The year one cost of each additional detector dog team is approximately €100,000. This includes the cost of a trained detector dog, salary of the handler, training for the handler with the dog, transport, and kennelling arrangements. Subsequent costs associated with each additional detector dog team is approximately €40,000 per annum. This includes salary, allowances, uniform, food, vet bills and other related costs.

I am advised by Revenue that the dog detector teams, which are an integral component of Revenue’s response framework targeting fraud, illicit trade, smuggling and organised crime, are just one component of a suite of resources, detection equipment and technologies deployed by them, in addition to the application of the comprehensive legal framework in place as set out in relevant tax and customs legislation. Intelligence development, electronic risk analysis tools, deployment of x-ray scan technology and maritime cutters are deployed as part of Revenue’s overall suite of measures. I am advised by Revenue that it keeps matters under regular review as regards the mix and blend of such measures having regard to risk assessment and evolving operational needs. I remain open to consider any proposals from Revenue that will support their work in combatting fraud, illicit trade and smuggling.