Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 1

Written Answers - Excise Duties.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

136 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to reports that following the recent budget some retailers charged customers the additional excise duties, although this was stock bought at pre-budget prices; the steps he intends to take to deal with such abuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5357/03]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

All excisable products are subject to excise duty at the time they are released for consumption on to the open market. All stocks released following a change in excise duty are subject to the new rate.

As the Deputy knows, retailers and wholesale suppliers may vary the price they charge for excisable products from time to time and such prices vary across retailers.