Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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169. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will seek EU funding to cover the costs of purchasing two additional mobile x-ray scanner trucks for the Revenue Commissioners. [67638/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Revenue’s operational requirements are kept under continuous review, having regard to ongoing risk evaluation and evolving operational needs. I am advised that Revenue do not see a need for additional mobile x-ray scanners at this time.

I am advised that in 2025 to-date, Revenue have procured in total five baggage X-ray systems to be deployed at Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport, Kerry Airport and Cork Airport. These scanners were funded under the EU Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI) and represent a combination of additional capacity and upgrade of older systems. Revenue also procured another hand-held X-ray system bringing its current capacity of hand-held scanners to eight.

In addition to this, as part of the redevelopment of Rosslare Europort, a new high energy X-ray gantry system was deployed in October 2025. This is the first high energy X-ray gantry system to be deployed in the State and will be used to scan containerised freight and vehicles as required.

Revenue have also sought and received funding to procure a specialised backscatter van in 2026. This is in addition to the current backscatter van based in Dublin Port. A backscatter van is a low power X-ray scanner mounted in a standard van that is used to scan vehicles, trailers and other light vehicles.

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.