Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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183. To ask the Minister for Finance the new equipment received by the Revenue Commissioners that were funded by The European Anti-Fraud Office under the Hercule III Programme in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [28086/24]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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At the outset, it should be noted that the HERCULE III was superseded by the European Union Anti-Fraud Programme (EUAF) in 2021. The EUAF will run from 2021-2027.

I am advised by Revenue that x-ray scanners and maritime cutters, which are an integral component of its 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 as set out in relevant tax and customs legislation. Intelligence development, electronic risk analysis tools, x-ray scan technology and maritime cutters are deployed as part of Revenue’s overall response.

Revenue’s suite of x-ray scanners, range from handheld scanning devices to scan small packages, baggage scanners for the scanning of passenger luggage and parcels and mobile scanners to scan vehicles and containers. Revenue currently operates three mobile container x-ray scanners, one x-ray backscatter van and both mobile and fixed baggage scanners which are based at the main ports of entry.

In addition, I am informed that Revenue has recently completed a tender for a second mobile baggage scanner van which will be based in Dublin but deployed in various locations nationwide as operational requirements dictate. This van is due for delivery in mid-2024 and has been purchased with financial assistance from the European Commission’s Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI). Revenue keeps its operational requirements and arrangements regarding the deployment and use of detection technology and resources, including mobile x-ray scanners, under continuous review, having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs.

Revenue’s Maritime Unit currently has two cutters (patrol vessels) in active service, with one of those vessels approaching the end of its service life. An application for funding under the EUAF towards the partial cost of a replacement Cutter was submitted in 2022 and was successful. A Request for Tender for a replacement Cutter was published in the Official Journal of the EU in October 2022. Tenders were received in February 2023 and following a comprehensive evaluation process a contract for the delivery of a Revenue Customs Cutter was signed on 3 August 2023 with AuxNaval in Spain.

The contracted cost of the replacement Cutter is €8.75 million excluding VAT and is being funded by the Exchequer and the grant from the EUAF. The new Cutter is currently under construction and is expected to come into service in 2025. Included in the Request for Tender was an option for a second vessel, which could be a replacement for Revenue’s second vessel when it is approaching the end of its service life.

The table below outlines equipment purchased by Revenue in which funding from OLAF (the European Anti-Fraud Office) was received: