Mr. Derek Byrne:

I thank the Chairman and members of the committee for giving me the opportunity to address them. I have a submitted a paper to the secretariat and a submission from An Garda Síochána which I will supplement with some very brief opening comments.

The illegal tobacco industry is a global industry which amasses large amounts of money for organised crime gangs. We look at it in the context of organised crime. From our perspective, it has significant health issues, affects the legitimate labour market, returns to the Exchequer in various countries and legitimate brand holders.

It requires a global response involving a multi-agency collaborative approach. I have provided a written submission for the committee, to which I wish to make two amendments, with the Chairman's permission.