Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Ceist:360. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the estimated cost of increasing the number of Revenue customs dog detection teams to 37. [71418/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 16 December 2025
Ceisteanna (360)
Freagraí scríofa
I am advised that Revenue has an allocation of 30 detector dogs with vacancies filled throughout the year as new dogs and handlers are appointed.
The cost of a detector dog team in its first year of operation is approximately €100,000. This includes the cost of training the detector dog and its handler for the first year, and associated salaries and kennelling arrangements. For all subsequent years, the approximate operational cost is €50,000 per annum.
Based on above quoted figures, an increase in the detector teams to 37 would incur an additional cost of €700,000 in the first year of operations dropping to €350,000 for each subsequent year.
Revenue’s operational requirements are kept under continuous review, having regard to ongoing risk evaluation and evolving operational needs. I am advised that Revenue is satisfied with the current allocated number of detector dog teams.