(Limerick East) asked the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied himself that the number of customs and excise officers deployed at our main ports and airports is sufficient to prevent the smuggling of illegal drugs and firearms into the country.

I am satisfied that the number of customs and excise officers deployed at our main ports and airports is sufficient to provide an effective deterrent to the smuggling of illegal drugs and firearms.

(Limerick East): Is the Minister aware that none of the west coast fishing ports has a customs and excise officer at any point over the weekend?

I am satisfied that the number of customs and excise officers deployed is sufficient.

Question No. 71, please. We are running out of time and we still have to come to Deputy Desmond's question.

(Limerick East): We are running out of time because priority questions were not called at 3.30 p.m.

That is not the fault of the Chair, I warned you about that and you are not helping now by interrupting.

(Limerick East): The Government informed us that four boatloads of guns came into the country over the last two years. They also said that a Bill would be introduced tonight to prevent the smuggling of drugs.

A question, please.

(Limerick East): All the ports on the west coast and the airports do not have any custom officers on Friday nights, Saturdays or Sundays. There is no point in putting legislation through and talking about commitments if the access points to the country are not manned.

I would not shout too loudly if I were in the Deputy's position because, if such infringements took place, he also had responsibility for them.

(Limerick East): What guns were found in the bogus search?

As I said earlier, I am satisfied with the number of customs and excise officers deployed at our main ports and airports.

(Limerick East): How can the Minister say that no custom officers are sufficient?