I have received reports from both the Garda and Revenue authorities in relation to this matter. The Revenue Authorities advise that there is no evidence that the point of sale display ban, that was introduced last July, has contributed to the problem of cigarette smuggling. Prior to the introduction of the ban, counterfeit and contraband cigarettes were usually not on open display in the retail outlets where they were detected and were usually kept hidden from sight. Furthermore a series of random checks on high street retail outlets have not uncovered counterfeit or contraband cigarettes on sale. On the other hand, inland detections are made primarily at markets, distribution centres and at certain unscrupulous retail outlets. An Garda Síochána, separately and in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners, will continue to target offenders and, where appropriate directions are received from the Law Officers, prosecute any person, whether they are legitimate traders or not, found to be engaged in the sale and / or distribution of counterfeit / contraband cigarettes.