Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Is it possible between now and Report Stage for the Minister of State to furnish a note on the effectiveness of the excise on cigarettes? There was to be an effective floor but that does not seem to be in place any longer, mainly because of the divergence in price of more than €2 per pack of 20 between value brands and normal brands. I am not a smoker so I do not know that is the case. The section reads, “€288.22 per thousand together with an amount equal to 9.52 per cent of the price” and “(b) €325.11 per thousand”, which shows there are different rates. The tax strategy group for budget 2017 said it was prudent in respect of raising the minimum excise duty on cigarettes but that does not seem to be the case. There does not seem to be a floor any longer. Can I have a note on it? If the Minister of State has notes, I would appreciate if he would read them into the Official Report. If there is a divergence in price and we are not getting the minimum level expected, I would like to know why. I would like to have the details on how excise on cigarettes is calculated between now and Report Stage, please.