Written answers
Thursday, 11 July 2024
Department of Finance
Customs and Excise
Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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163. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of full time and part time personnel employed at locations (details supplied) who hold certain powers, for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and up to 30 June 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30643/24]
Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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164. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide details of the number of full-time and part-time officers employed at locations (details supplied), for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and up to 30 June 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30655/24]
Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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165. To ask the Minister for Finance to provide details of the number full-time and part-time officers employed at locations (details supplied), for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and up to 30 June 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30656/24]
Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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166. To ask the Minister for Finance when a full-time unit will be assigned to a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30658/24]
Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 to 166, inclusive, together.
I am informed that Revenue has over 500 staff assigned across our ports and airports, working on a 24/7 basis where relevant. Such staff are involved in a range of trade facilitation and enforcement duties. Revenue’s approach involves the use of analytics and detection technologies and ensuring the optimum deployment of resources on a risk-focused basis.
I understand that operational requirements and arrangements regarding the deployment and use of detection technology and resources, including x-ray scanners and detector dog teams, are kept under regular review by Revenue having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs.
I am advised that Revenue enforcement teams based in Castlebar and Sligo, including detector dog teams, are deployed to Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK) on a regular, risk-assessed basis. All flights, both inbound and outbound, are liable to be controlled by enforcement officers in attendance.
Details for the total number of full and part-time staff assigned in Castlebar, Sligo & Knock and officers holding authorisations for 2020 to 1 June 2024 is outlined in the tables below:
*2024 data is correct as of 1 June and is the latest available.
Full time (Headcount):
| Castlebar | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Staff Assigned | 114 | 113 | 112 | 134 | 122 |
| Sligo (Inc Knock) | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Total Staff Assigned | 55 | 56 | 60 | 61 | 59 |
Part time (Headcount):
| Castlebar | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Staff Assigned | 26 | 23 | 24 | 17 | 18 |
| Sligo (Inc Knock) | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Total Staff Assigned | 11 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 6 |
The below table shows the number of staff holding authorisations in each year per location.
| PQ Ref | Question | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30656/24 | Customs & Excise Officers in Castlebar; Ireland West Airport Knock and Sligo who hold powers under Regulation and European Communities (Instrastat) Regulations 1993 | 72 | 75 | 89 | 112 | 113 |
| 30655/24 | Customs & Excise Officers in Castlebar; Ireland West Airport Knock and Sligo who hold the following powers under Customs & Excise Section 62 Finance Act 1993, Section 134, 135, 136, 138, 139, 140 and 141 | 72 | 75 | 88 | 112 | 113 |
| 30643/24 | Customs & Excise Officers employed in Castlebar; Ireland West Airport Knock and Sligo who hold the following powers Section 851, 903, 904, 905, 961 and 962 of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 | 71 | 74 | 89 | 112 | 113 |
This Government has been consistent in its strong support for 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 I remain open to considering any proposals from Revenue for additional resources that will support its work.
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