Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2012
680 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the results of analyses in the tobacco content of cigarettes smuggled illegally here with regard to harmful chemicals and carcinogens which exceed the permitted levels in cigarettes in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7922/12]
View answerThe Revenue Commissioners and An Garda Síochána have primary responsibility for dealing with the issue of illicit trade of tobacco products. I understand from the Revenue Commissioners that they do not carry out any analysis of seized products. The only testing carried out in relation to tobacco product seized by Revenue is done under the auspices of O.L.A.F. (E.U. Antifraud Office) and is only to determine if large scale seizures consist of counterfeit or contraband product.
