Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2016
39. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons the Revenue Commissioners prosecuted for the offence of tobacco and cigarette smuggling in the years 2015 and 2016 to-date; the number of prosecutions currently ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10723/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by Revenue that there were 40 convictions in respect of tobacco and cigarette smuggling in 2015. There were 8 convictions during the first 4 months of 2016. Currently, there are 81 tobacco and cigarette smuggling prosecution cases ongoing, at various stages in the prosecution process.
Fines of €65,150 were imposed in 2015 for tobacco and cigarette smuggling, and €11,000 for the period to end of April 2016.
