The Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, Josephine Feehily, officially named Revenue's new purpose-built Customs Cutter, RCC 'Faire', at a ceremony at Howth Yacht Club yesterday. The 23.60 metre sea-going vessel, (photo over the fold by Bob Bateman) the second of its kind for the Customs Service, is being introduced as a further development of Revenue's response to the problem of drugs importations and other smuggling via the Irish coastline.
Faire's sister vessel Suirbheir, the first Customs Cutter in the State, was launched in Cork in June 2004. Guest of honour at the ceremony was the Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Lenihan TD.
Speaking at the ceremony Mr. Lenihan said: At this time of extreme financial difficulty I am particularly pleased to show, in a very tangible and visible way, this Govemment's determination to continue to confront the menace of drugs. The Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners, Josephine Feehily said: Monitoring the coastline, and searching suspicious vessels, is the main function of the Revenue cutters. The arrival of RCC Faire now ensures that our maritime presence will be much more visible than heretofore. It will enable more effective coastal patrols and increase our capacity to contribute to international operations.
The ceremony was also attended by spokesman on Justice, Equality and Law Reform Mr. Charles Flanagan, TD (Fine Gael) and Mr Pat Rabitte TD (Labour). The Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, and the Flag Officer of the Naval Service, Commodore Frank Lynch also attended.
