Mary O'Rourke
Question:103 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Finance the action, if any, he proposes to take to deal with the widespread sale of contraband cigarettes. [15594/96]
Written Answers. - Contraband Cigarettes.
I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they are taking all necessary steps to deal with the problem.
These steps include an increasing number of prosecutions for smuggling of tobacco products and the initiation of prosecutions for selling unstamped cigarettes; ongoing large-scale seizures of tobacco products whether smuggled from outside the EU, purchased in excess of duty-free allowances within the EU, or transported irregularly outside the correct channels within the EU; increased co-operation with various trade interests concerned, other Revenue services, and with the Garda and the establishment of a co-ordinated approach within the Revenue Commissers to counteracting measures
Other additional measures, including the extension of stamping to "roll-your own" tobacco products, will be taken as necessary.
I am satisfied that the effect of these measures will be to contain and gradually minimise this problem.