Tánaiste announces new Customs Cutter and new Scanner at Revenue Strategy launch
At a ceremony in Dublin today (15/02/2008) Mr. Frank Daly, Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, presented Revenue's sixth Statement of Strategy to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Mr. Brian Cowen T.D.. Also present at the event on the Liffey was Mr. Pat Carey, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with special responsibility for Drugs Strategy and Community Affairs. The Statement which covers the period 2008 to 2010 sets out Revenue's high-level programme of work for the coming three years.
At the launch the Tánaiste announced that Revenue is to purchase a second Customs cutter and a second x-ray container scanner for its Customs Service.
Speaking at the launch Tánaiste Mr. Brian Cowen T.D. said,
"Both of these investments are tangible examples of the commitment of Revenue's Customs Service and this Government to tackling the drugs problem which is causing enormous hardship and pain to people in our communities."
Minister Carey said:
"I am delighted to join with the Tánaiste as he announces Revenue's decision to make a further significant investment in additional maritime and scanner equipment. The purchase of a second cutter and a second scanner, both of which it is hoped to have in service next year, underscores the Customs Service commitment to the Government’s National Drug Strategy and to protecting society."
Speaking at the announcement Mr Daly said:
"Effective tax and customs administration is at the core of Ireland's fiscal, social and economic foundations. Public confidence in Revenue is therefore vital and we value a reputation as a "can do" organisation that is fair and ethical and delivers through innovation."
"We intend to enhance that reputation over the lifetime of this Statement Of Strategy - one which will take us to the end of the first decade of this new Millennium."
The existing Cutter, R.C.C. Suirbhéir was built by Uudenkaupungin Tyovene in Finland at a cost of €1.6 million and has been involved in operations aimed at controlling the smuggling of drugs around the Irish coastline since its introduction in June 2004.
The existing Customs x-ray container scanner, built by Nuctech in China at a cost of €3 million, was introduced in February 2006. It has been a successful addition to Revenue's drug interdiction resource and has proved its worth in a very short time - contributing to the seizure of drugs and other contraband to a value of €23 million.
[Ends 15/02/08]
Additional Material
Full Text of Chairman Frank Daly's Speech
Highlights of Revenue's Statement of Strategy 2008 - 2010
Statement of Strategy 2008 - 2010 (PDF, 354KB)
