71 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Finance whether he has satisfied himself that published articles in the press linking the failure of the Urlingford drugs seizure to leaks from the Customs and Excise Service, are without foundation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20314/96]

As I previously informed the House, the Revenue Commissioners are satisfied that media reports with regard to a leak by Customs about the Urlingford drugs seizure are without foundation. This was made clear by the chairman of the Revenue Commissioners in replies given to the Committee of Public Accounts on 7 March 1996. The chairman has also informed me that he had been assured at the time by the Secretary of the Department of Justice that the Garda Commissioner had no information that would support an allegation that any leak came from Customs. I am satisfied that any leak that may have occurred did not emanate from Customs.