Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
64. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the date on which the drug-detector dog previously assigned to customs operations at Ireland West Airport retired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10637/26]
View answer65. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the date on which the cash and tobacco detector dog commenced duty at Ireland West Airport, Knock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10638/26]
View answer66. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the date on which the cash and tobacco detector dog was replaced by the drug-detector dog at Ireland West Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10639/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 64, 65 and 66 together.
I propose to take questions 10637/26, 10638/26 and 10639/26 together.
I am advised that Revenue currently has 22 detector dogs in its canine programme, which is an integral element of their work in challenging all forms of shadow economy activity where they target fraud, illicit trade, smuggling and organised crime. Over the years the detector dog teams have assisted in the detection of significant quantities of drugs, cigarettes and cash derived from criminal activity, and their detections have led to successful convictions and disruption to the activities of the criminals involved in shadow economy activity.
Although Revenue’s detector dogs are stationed at strategic locations, they can be deployed anywhere they are needed and work in tandem with Revenue anti-smuggling teams who routinely operate at all main ports, airports and mail centres, and in freight forwarding premises. Revenue’s detector dogs assist in screening passengers or postal packages, searching warehouses, commercial and private premises, all manner of vehicles, freight consignments, and air or sea passenger baggage. They also provide regular support for nationally coordinated operations, many of which are carried out on a joint multi-agency basis.
Operational requirements regarding the deployment and use of detector dog teams, are kept under regular review having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs.
Revenue does not publicly disclose specific methodologies or actions taken or proposed, including resource deployments in relation to specific locations. Disclosure of this information could reasonably be expected to reveal how these operations are carried out and the resources deployed in managing compliance in specific geographical locations. This would have a significant, adverse effect on these compliance operations as non-compliant taxpayers could use this information to circumvent customs controls.
Revenue has confirmed that Ireland West Airport, Knock, has the necessary resources deployed in this geographical location to address any ongoing risks with regards to smuggling activities and that these risks and allocated resources are kept under regular review.
I am strongly supportive of Revenue having the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate in respect of its responsibilities, which are critical for its effective functioning as a tax and customs administration and for the effective functioning of the State generally. I am open to considering any proposals from Revenue for additional resources that will support its work.
