asked the Minister for Finance the revenue generated by the sale of goods which were seized by customs over the past five years; the estimated value of goods seized but destroyed during the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7867/01]
Written Answers. - Sale of Seized Goods.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the revenue generated by the sale of seized goods for the years 1996 to 2000 is as follows:
|
1996 |
£73,527 |
|
1997 |
£110,813 |
|
1998 |
£75,417 |
|
1999 |
£88,428 |
|
2000 |
£79,344 |
The estimated value (retail) of goods destroyed during the same period is as follows:
|
1996 |
£853,216 |
|
1997 |
£1,718,556 |
|
1998 |
£1,054,425 |
|
1999 |
£13,014,972 |
|
2000 |
£18,339,946 |
These goods were primarily tobacco products destroyed under controlled conditions by Customs and Excise. Smuggled tobacco fails to meet Irish health warning and fiscal marking requirements and cannot be placed on sale.