Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Šemeta stated that he is interested in developing new green tax policies for Europe. I take it he will take fuel poverty into consideration in the development of any such policies. Climate change is top of my agenda but green taxes can have a negative effect on fuel poverty rates among the most vulnerable.

In regard to protecting customers from dangerous products and illegal trade, one of the biggest problems that faces Ireland in the area of customs control is smuggling of cigarettes. Is there any way the Commission can assist in fighting that problem?

In his speech on 6 December Mr. Šemeta referred to the €1 trillion lost in tax avoidance and evasion, which equates to €2,000 per European citizen. He indicated that the Commission plans to introduce 30 measures to close these loopholes. Has a timetable or roadmap been prepared for the introduction of these measures?

I have an open mind on the financial transactions tax. In regard to the residence principle, how will payments be made by Irish firms undertaking transactions with the 11 countries introducing the tax, and is there potential for Ireland to lose revenue in this regard?

One more thing-----