Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2012
128. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Finance his plans to combat the increasing availability of illegal cigarettes in County Meath which are being sold on the black market and door to door at housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54003/12]
View answerI am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax and for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products, that they attach a high priority to this issue. The strategy employed by Revenue to tackle this illicit trade is multifaceted. It includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of operational policies, development of analytics and detection technologies, and optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and inland, in order to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved. Interception at the point of importation is achieved through a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages. Revenue enforcement officers also target this illicit trade at the post-importation level by carrying out intelligence-based operations and random checks at retail outlets, markets and private and commercial premises.
With regard to the Meath area in particular the Revenue enforcement teams have been and will continue to be active in markets, in visiting retail outlets and other commercial premises, and in pursuing those selling door to door. In November 2012 these teams had meetings with Garda Sergeants for the Meath area and with local traders to discuss ways in which they can support each other in identifying illicit cigarette and tobacco traders and outlets. The enforcement teams are active in gathering their own intelligence regarding those involved in the sale of illicit tobacco products in the Meath area and will continue to follow up on any information received and to seize illicit product and to prosecute those engaged in illegal trading in tobacco products.
The illegal trade in tobacco is a serious threat to the Exchequer and to legitimate businesses and the Deputy can be assured that Revenue will continue their work against smugglers and sellers of illicit tobacco products.
