Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will deal with that issue as well. I strongly support the federation’s submission because I know the reality on the ground. One issue to which reference has been made is illegal cigarettes and smuggling. However, reference has not been made to the fact that some of the serious drugs gangs have moved from cocaine to cigarette smuggling. Armed criminals are involved. It appears that more money can be made from cigarettes than cocaine or heroin.

People are selling illegal cigarettes in the poorest parts of Dublin city. The local shopkeeper on the corner is being hammered once again. That is the economic reality. The illegal cigarette trade is dangerous. As Members of the Oireachtas we must examine the issue as it is getting out of control. We must ensure that regulation is up to date. Newsagents are implementing the regulations. From talking to people in the industry, the majority of retailers – 99.5% of retailers - and those who sell cigarettes do so legitimately and are above board. It is people outside the sector who are the problem. If the committee does not act we will have a serious problem. We regularly speak about job creation and job protection. We must support small businesses.

I fully agree with the point about electronic cigarettes. Efforts are being made to try to get people off cigarettes. I sometimes use them myself when I am trying to give up cigarettes. I go on a health binge every now and again. I would like to be able to buy electronic cigarettes in my local shop or pub rather than having to go to a chemist. To be honest, I would not go near a chemist unless I was dying with the flu or had a major health issue. I would not go there to buy an electronic cigarette. It is time we stopped making it difficult for people to give up cigarettes.

Holiday cigarettes are a significant issue. Deputy Ferris is correct about 200 cigarettes per person being allowed. Most people I know in the Border community come back with up to 1,000 cigarettes. Whatever they do, they seem to get through. We must introduce stronger penalties and ensure that legitimate business which is regulated and supervised and that makes a major contribution to the Exchequer is supported. That is what is important in the debate.