Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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346. To ask the Minister for Finance the total number of individual custom inspections conducted on incoming air and sea passengers at each individual port and airport in the State in each respective year from 2020 to 2024 inclusive, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16737/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that Revenue is committed to targeting the illegal importation of prohibited and restricted goods and implements a range of measures to identify and target illegal smuggling, and where possible, prosecuting those involved.

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.

In relation to the number of individual customs inspections conducted on incoming air and sea passengers, I am informed that this data is not recorded.

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 international bodies including Europol, OLAF (the EU’s anti-fraud agency), the Maritime Analysis Operations Centre for Narcotics (MAOC-N) and the World Customs Organisation. 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.

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