Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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263. To ask the Minister for Finance the estimated full year cost to increase the number of dog detector teams within Revenue Commissioners to 50; and the last time this number was increased. [5958/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Revenue currently operates 26 detector dog teams, including one team working on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. I am advised by Revenue that four new detector dog teams are due to begin training in Q2 of this year and will be fully operational by Q3, bringing Revenue’s complement of detector dog teams to 30.

The year one cost of each 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 detector dog team is approximately €40,000 per annum. This includes salary, allowances, uniform, food, vet bills and other related costs. Should the number of detector dog teams increase to 50, the estimated full cost in one year, including costs associated with 24 new teams, would be approximately €3.5m.

I am aware that Revenue’s detector dog teams, although an integral element of its compliance framework, are just one component of a suite of detection equipment and technologies deployed to target fraud, illicit trade, smuggling and organised crime. Scan technology is deployed at all points of entry that work in tandem with the detector dog teams. Operational requirements regarding the deployment and use of detection technology and resources, including detector dog teams, are kept under regular review having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs.

I am strongly supportive of Revenue having the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate in respect of its responsibilities, responsibilities that are critical for its effective functioning as a tax and customs administration and for the effective functioning of the State generally. I am always open to considering any proposals from Revenue regarding additional resources to support its important work in targeting fraud, illicit trade and smuggling in light of developments and experience.