I propose to take Questions Nos. 73, 74 and 75 together.
I am satisfied that the Revenue Commissioners are fully alert to the situation concerning the sale of tobacco products, without payment of the appropriate taxes, by street traders both in Dublin city and elsewhere. This problem continues to be tackled with vigour and success.
The Commissioners have, since the beginning of this year, seized approximately 28 million cigarettes and over 600 kilogrammes of tobacco. Revenue also liaise with the gardaí who have additional powers under the Casual Trading Act and joint operations to detect illegal street trading in tobacco products have taken place.
The introduction of tax stamps on cigarettes was provided for in the Finance Act, 1994. Since September last, all packs of cigarettes produced in or imported into the State and put up for retail sale must have a tax stamp affixed.