Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 February 2010
307 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he advised the Department of Finance that the high price of cigarettes was leading to an increase in cigarette smuggling; if this information was made available to the Department of Finance prior to the introduction of budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7691/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn October 2009, I wrote to my colleague, the Minister for Finance in relation to cigarette smuggling. In that letter I expressed my concerns about the health and exchequer implications of illegal cigarette smuggling. At no stage, did I refer to the high price of cigarettes leading to an increase in cigarette smuggling. Law enforcement in relation to smuggled cigarettes is primarily a matter for the Customs authorities of the Revenue Commissioners as most offences committed are contrary to the Finance Acts.
