John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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193. To ask the Minister for Finance the number staff assigned to each regional Revenue enforcement team for 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and up to 30 August 2024; to list the ports and airports which are the responsibility of each regional Revenue enforcement team, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36864/24]

John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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194. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will increase the number of personnel on customs checks at Dublin Airport to check for smuggling and breaches of duty-free allowances, similar to the recently announced increase in passport checks to cut down on undocumented arrivals. [36865/24]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 194 together.

Revenue’s approach involves the use of advanced analytics and a multiplicity of detection technologies and ensuring the optimum deployment of resources on a risk-focused basis. In that context, 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. As part of its risk focused approach to the discharge of its role in relation to illicit smuggling, I am assured by Revenue that it monitors and evaluates all points of entry into the State on an ongoing basis to identify the risk potential for illicit smuggling and whether a physical presence is required. Revenue’s analytical capability spans all areas, regardless of whether there is a physical presence or not.

I am advised that Revenue uses the latest detection methods at the national points of entry into the State, with the deployment of assets such as Revenue scanners, detector dogs and 24/7 staff, where required. Alongside the detection equipment and technologies deployed at the main points of entry, Revenue also deploys two Revenue Customs Cutters to patrol the coastline, undertake vessel controls and support maritime surveillance and intelligence gathering duties in relation to illicit smuggling. These vessels work closely with teams of land-based enforcement officers involved in anti-smuggling duties deployed to cover potential high-risk areas along the coastline. This work is supplemented by Revenue’s Customs Drug Watch Programme aimed at encouraging members of the public, along with coastal and local maritime communities to notify Revenue of suspect or unusual activity at sea or around the coastline by way of a confidential 24/7 free phone facility - 1800 295 295.

Given the global nature of the illicit smuggling trade, international law enforcement cooperation remains a key element in Revenue’s overall response. Revenue has strong and strategic partnerships in place at international level targeting illicit smuggling, including working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies such as Europol and the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre for Narcotics (MAOC-N). Revenue liaison officers are stationed in both Europol and MAOC-N, ensuring Revenue is at the forefront in the area of anti-smuggling enforcement at an international level. These officers work closely with international colleagues in identifying the transnational risks associated with illicit smuggling into the State.

Furthermore, Revenue is an active participant, along with its national and EU partners, in initiatives under the umbrella of the EU Roadmap to Tackle Drugs and Organised Crime. These initiatives, including the European Ports Alliance, provide for EU-wide collaboration and information sharing on best practices to increase security and resilience in tackling the threat posed by drug trafficking, illicit smuggling and organised crime.

At a national level, the Joint Task Force, which is an interagency collaboration consisting of Revenue, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the Naval Service, was put in place specifically to target illicit smuggling by sea into Ireland and uses the full capability and resources of each agency as required at an operational level. The Joint Task Force operates successfully under agreed protocols when activated for a specific targeted operation.

Revenue also works closely with its counterparts in Northern Ireland through the Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force (JATF) and international bodies including OLAF (the EU’s anti-fraud agency), Europol and the World Customs Organisation.

The tables below list the Type I and Type II approved Customs airports and approved Customs ports within the remit of each of Revenue’s five Frontier Management Branches:

Type I and II Customs Airport

Customs Approved Ports

The table below provides a breakdown of the number of enforcement and trade facilitation allowanced staff working in each of Revenue’s Frontier Management Branches with responsibility for ports and airports, working on a 24/7 basis where relevant, as at end August 2024: I am advised that it has not been possible to collate the staffing figures for the years 2020 to 2023 for each Frontier Management Branch in the time available. I am informed that Revenue will contact the Deputy directly once this data has been collated.

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.

Finally, I am assured that combating the smuggling of prohibited and restricted goods is, and will continue to be, a priority to Revenue.

I am aware that Revenue is committed to targeting the illegal importation and exportation of prohibited and restricted goods and implements a range of measures to identify and target illegal smuggling, including breaches of duty-free allowances, and where possible, prosecuting those involved.