Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 February 2013
75. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance if he has plans for a new national print media, national radio station and TV campaign reminding members of the public of a hotline to report cigarette smuggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6314/13]
View answerThis is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in the past they have used paid advertising to promote the confidential free phone number. More recently, it is promoted through their website and the phone number is included in press releases relating to cigarette and tobacco seizures which has resulted in the number being referenced frequently in the print media and more recently in social media. In addition, the free phone number is promoted, for example, in radio and television coverage of the illicit tobacco trade and on relevant trade websites and in trade publications.
The Commissioners’ experience with the hotline is that very few calls are specific enough to lead to seizures of tobacco or other successful control interventions. I recently advised the House in reply to a previous question that 431 calls led to just 18 seizures. Assessing these calls absorbs skilled resources with limited evidence of impact and in light of this experience, there are not plans at present for advertising of the type envisaged on the Deputy's question, which can be extremely costly.
Revenue employs a multi-faceted strategy for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and other tobacco products. 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 deployment of detection technologies, optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and inland to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved.
Revenue will continue to encourage the public to assist in the fight against the illicit tobacco trade by providing information to Revenue, by means of the confidential freephone or otherwise, on the smuggling and sale of untaxed tobacco products, and will keep the matter of advertising under review.
