Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 April 2017
117. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the steps he plans to take in 2017 to prevent the loss of trade to Irish retailers as consumers cross the Border into the United Kingdom to purchase goods which are excisable. [17407/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraRelative price levels between Ireland and Northern Ireland for excisable products are an important factor in determining budgetary policy every year. These price levels are monitored on a regular basis. The most recent data from Revenue on indicative price levels for excisable products (alcohol, tobacco and mineral oil products) is outlined below. This is based on a cross border price comparison carried out in November 2016, updated for the € / £ exchange rate as of 20 March 2017: (Exchange rate UK£1 = €0.86796)
Alcohol
|
Product |
Price in the State (€) |
Price in N.I. (€) |
Difference (€) |
|
Can Lager |
2.05 |
1.71 |
0.34 |
|
Bottle of Wine (Chardonnay) |
10.35 |
8.25 |
2.10 |
|
Bottle of Whiskey |
24.89 |
21.46 |
3.43 |
|
Bottle of Vodka |
20.00 |
14.70 |
5.30 |
Tobacco products
|
Product |
Price in the State (€) |
Price in N.I. (€) |
Difference (€) |
|
20 cigarettes |
11.30 |
11.41 |
0.11 |
|
Roll your own tobacco (RYO) 25g pack |
12.40 |
11.01 |
1.39 |
Mineral Oil Products:
|
Light oils - unleaded petrol |
3c/litre lower in the South |
|
Light oils auto diesel |
14c/litre lower in the South |
|
Home heating Kerosene |
15c/litre higher in the South |
|
Home heating Diesel |
5c/litre higher in the South |
Price differences between the South and North are determined by (i) VAT and excise rates in both jurisdictions, (ii) exchange rates, and (iii) the pricing strategies of retailers. I and my officials will continue to monitor price levels in order to avoid the emergence of differentials that would give rise to cross border diversion of trade and consumer spending in excisable products.
