Tax Code

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2012

Thursday, 16 February 2012

Ceisteanna (75)

Nicky McFadden

Ceist:

72 Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Finance if he has considered a proposal (details supplied) as part of the examination of the rebalancing of the excise tax structure in the context of the Finance Bill 2012; his views that the proposal, if implemented, would prevent cheap cigarettes from entering the market as well as increasing and or protecting excise duty returns for the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9053/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan)

The Deputy will be aware that Ireland has the highest prices and excise duty levels for cigarettes in the EU and already applies a high specific duty element and a low ad valorum element in setting its excise duty for cigarettes relative to other Member States. However the question of re-balancing the excise tax structure will be examined in the context of the 2012 Finance Bill.