The Revenue currently has 18 detector dog teams, which includes one team that works with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Each new dog team – consisting of one dog and its handler – costs about €100,000 to train. That includes the cost of the dog, the handler’s salary, eight weeks training for the handler with the dog, a dog transport van, a kennel and associated security at the handler’s home. The ongoing annual cost is about €40,000 per dog team, which includes the handler’s salary, allowances, uniform, dog food, vet bills and other related costs. “However, Revenue keeps its detection dog requirements under ongoing review having regard to risk assessment and operational needs,” he added.

Source: Irish Independent November 13, 2020 02:37 UTC