Illicit Trade in Tobacco

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Ceisteanna (184)

Damien English

Ceist:

184. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 44 of 13 March 2014, in relation to fines issued to importers of illicit tobacco products and sellers of illicit tobacco products for each of the years 2011, 2012 and 2013, the number of such fines that were paid in each of the years; the total value in monetary value of such fines that were paid in each of the years; the amount in monetary value of outstanding fines for each of the years; if he is satisfied with the level of compliance with such fines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13705/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Finance

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that numbers of fines imposed in the years in question in respect of offences relating to illicit tobacco products, and the total values of those fines, are as set out in the following table.

-	2011	2012	2013
No. of cases in which  fines were imposed	118	92	62
Total value of fines imposed	€253,150	€248,100	€165,750

As I indicated in my reply to the Deputy's Question No. 44 of 13 March 2014, the Revenue Commissioners are not responsible for the collection of fines imposed by the Courts and would not have details about their payment.