asked the Minister for Finance the number of smuggling offences which have been committed for each of the past five years; if he will categorise the main commodities being smuggled; and if he will estimate the monetary value of confiscated goods.
Written Answers. - Smuggling Offences.
550.
I am informed by the Revenue Commisioners that records are not maintained in such a manner as would enable the precise figures requested by the Deputy to be given. However, the following information is available:
|
No. of offences |
Estimated value |
|
|
1979 |
2,827 |
not available |
|
1980 |
3,711 |
not available |
|
1981 |
4,089 |
£0.8m. |
|
1982 |
4,747 |
£1.3m. |
|
1983 |
8,200approximately |
£2.5m. |
The estimate of value does not include the value of vehicles which were seized either because they were used to convey smuggled goods or because they were irregularly imported or irregularly used in the State. The majority of such vehicles are subsequently released on payment of compromise sums.
The main categories of goods involved were electrical goods, spirits, motor vehicle parts and agricultural goods and products.