Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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602. To ask the Minister for Finance to clarify the reasons behind the Office of Public Works’ refusal to install customs dog kennels, and what steps are being taken to address the lack of suitable facilities to support Revenue’s Customs Service in maintaining effective border security. [20489/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that it currently operates 26 detector dog teams, including one team working on behalf of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. These teams, which are a national resource, can be deployed across the country depending on operational requirements. I am further advised that in August 2024, Revenue issued a Request for Quote to multiple kennel suppliers in Ireland and a successful bidder was identified. Since the current procurement arrangement was agreed, kennels have been installed in the homes of six new dog handlers.

Revenue’s detector dog teams, although an integral element of Revenue’s 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 dog detector teams. Operational requirements regarding the deployment and use of detection technology and resources, including dog detector teams, are kept under regular review having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs.

I am informed that at no time was Revenue’s effectiveness in fulfilling its statutory obligations impacted by the delay in installing kennels.

The Deputy’s query regarding why the Office of Public Works is no longer installing kennels is appropriate to the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform.