asked the Minister for Finance the stage to which the special training for Customs and Excise Officers in relation to drug detection has advanced to date.

I am informed by the Review Commissioners that a formal training course in relation to drug detection is given within a year of recruitment to assistant officers, Customs and Excise. In addition seminars and refresher courses are conducted on an ongoing basis for officers serving at points of entry to the State.

Approximately 90 per cent of officers and assistant officers, Customs and Excise, have received training in drug detection including instruction in the use of a drug identification kit which was introduced in 1981. Bulletins containing information on current drug smuggling techniques etc. are circulated on a regular basis to supplement training courses and seminars.