Illicit Trade in Tobacco

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 March 2014

Thursday, 13 March 2014

Questions (44)

Damien English

Question:

44. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the total number of fines issued to importers of illicit tobacco products and sellers of illicit tobacco products for each of the years, 2011, 2012 and 2013; the total value of fines issued in monetary value for each of the years; the number of such fines that were paid in each of the years; the total value in monetary value of such fines that were paid in each of the years; the amount in monetary value of outstanding fines for each of the years; if he is satisfied with the level of compliance with such fines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12479/14]

Written answers

Minister for Finance

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that numbers of fines imposed in the years in question in respect of offences relating to illicit tobacco products, and the total values of those fines, are as set out in the following table.

-	2011	2012	2013
No. of cases in which  fines were imposed	118	92	62
Total value of fines imposed	€253,150	€248,100	€165,750

The Revenue Commissioners are not responsible for the collection of fines imposed by the Courts and would not have details about their payment.