Justice Committee to discuss black market with National Federation of Retail Newsagents

Committee Chairman David Stanton, TD, said: “The National Federation of Retail Newsagents represents 1,000 retailers in every county across the island, including 400 retailers in the Republic of Ireland, so we are particularly interested in getting the perspective of their representatives on the black market in Ireland, particularly the illicit trade in cigarettes which is a growing problem, and minimum pricing for alcohol.

“The retail sector is particularly badly affected by black market activities and many retailers are finding it increasingly harder to cope with the sale of illegal and counterfeit goods. As well as leading to the loss of much-needed money to the Exchequer, black market trade also damages the business of legitimate traders, leading to closures and job losses.

“Tomorrow’s meeting is an opportunity to get an update from the federation on the scale of the black market problem in Ireland from the experiences of its members. It will also allow us to consider proposals to tackle the illicit trade in tobacco. It is also an opportunity to look at other retail issues, such as proposals for the minimum pricing of alcohol.”

The meeting will start in Committee Room 2, Leinster House at 2pm on Wednesday, 13th February 2013.

Committee proceedings can be followed live at:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/watchlisten/
For further information please contact:

Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2

P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551

Committee Membership

Deputies: Niall Collins (FF); Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (FG); Alan Farrell (FG); Anne Ferris (LAB) [Vice-Chairman]; Seán Kenny (LAB); Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (SF); Finian McGrath (IND); John Paul Phelan (FG); David Stanton (FG) [Chairman]

Senators:   Ivana Bacik (LAB); Paul Bradford (FG); Martin Conway (FG); Rónán Mullen (IND); Denis O’Donovan (FF); Katherine Zappone (IND)