Mr. Paul Candon:

They are in different channels such as pharmaceuticals. We could examine taking up products which help tobacco cessation but it will not bridge the gap to the income lost for the retailers. This is the reality.

In the forecourt sector 80% of the retail is independent and we will see a big impact. Our retailers are absolutely terrified of this initiative. They know the impact. Coupled with this I have spoken to some of the significant research and development companies, such as RED C which has conducted focus groups in many parts of Ireland on the purchasing of illicit tobacco. It is a ginormous problem which the general public does not see as a significant criminal act. They see it as getting good value.