asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that the acute shortage of cigarettes throughout the country in recent weeks is due to the fact that they are being exported to Northern Ireland; and if he will state what steps he intends to take to ensure that the public in the Twenty-Six Counties will get their normal supplies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shortage of Cigarettes.
The Deputy's mind is probably directed to the possibility of export smuggling. There is no evidence that such smuggling exists to any appreciable degree.
Is the Taoiseach not aware, because it well known throughout the country, that this practice is going on; is the Taoiseach prepared to take any steps to stop it?
The Minister informed me that he had had inquiries made in reference to the subject-matter of the Deputy's question and that, as a result of these inquiries, it has not been found possible to establish that there is any large-scale smuggling; but if the Deputy can give any information confidentially the matter will be looked into further.
Would the Taoiseach get some of the pip-squeak inspectors to supply him with the information he is looking for instead of asking Deputies to do it?