Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 October 2025
99. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff working in each of Revenue’s frontier management branches as of the end of September 2025; the level of funding allocated in 2025 for these staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55575/25]
View answer100. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Finance if there has been an increase during 2025 in the number of x-ray scanners available to the Revenue Commissioners for detection of smuggling; and the plans for further investment in scanners in Budget 2026. [55577/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.
I am advised by Revenue that as part of the redevelopment of Rosslare Europort, a new high energy X-ray gantry system will be 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.
In addition, so far this year 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. A handheld X-ray system was also procured to bring our current capacity of handheld scanners to eight.
In 2026, Revenue plans to procure a specialised backscatter van. 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.
Revenue also plan to upgrade two of their older parcel scanners based in the mail centres. These scanners will be part funded under the EU CCEI.
The number of X-ray systems are kept under regular review by Revenue having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs.
Revenue provide a breakdown in the table below of the total number of staff working in each of Revenue’s Frontier Management Branches. Such staff are involved in a range of trade facilitation & enforcement duties.
|
Frontier Management Branch |
No. of staff assigned at end September 2025 |
Salary cost as at end September 2025 |
|
Dublin Port Branch |
285 |
€11,477,708 |
|
Dublin Airport Branch |
202 |
€8,358,121 |
|
South East Branch |
203 |
€8,063,029 |
|
South Branch |
104 |
€4,801,398 |
|
East/West Branch |
88 |
€4,748,730 |
|
Total |
882 |
€37,448,986 |
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.
