Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the actions taken to date and the future plans the Gardaí have developed to tackle counterfeit goods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55493/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The lead role in combating counterfeit goods in this jurisdiction primarily rests with the Revenue Commissioners (Customs Service), in the context of the investigation of revenue offences which occasion significant financial losses to the Exchequer. Having said that, both the Revenue Customs Service and An Garda Síochána continue to make significant efforts, separately and together, to disrupt the activities of those involved in this type of criminal activity.

Searches are regularly undertaken by members of An Garda Síochána at the request of the Revenue Customs Service as part of intelligence-led operations led by that Service. Incidents relating to the sale or supply of counterfeit goods reported to An Garda Síochána are the subject of investigation. Members of a specialist unit within the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation are available to provide assistance and advice in respect of such investigations and regularly assist with investigations at District or Divisional level. In addition, the sale of goods at markets is the subject of regular and ongoing monitoring by Gardaí for counterfeit goods and products. Furthermore, the Intellectual Property Crime Unit at the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation works with relevant agencies, including the Revenue Customs Service, to provide a multi-agency approach to tackling this activity and to facilitate the co-ordination of investigations.

Due to the transnational nature of counterfeiting activity, An Garda Síochána also work with other stakeholders to monitor any new innovations in this type of criminal activity. This includes liaising with other policing and customs agencies in neighbouring jurisdictions. Such cross border co-operation includes, for example, cross-border task forces which have been established with the authorities in Northern Ireland to specifically target the distribution of illegal fuels and tobacco products. These task forces comprise representatives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland, HM Revenue Customs, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (UK), Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau.

I can assure the Deputy of the continued commitment of An Garda Síochána to tackling such criminal activity.