Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Approximately 21 million packets of cigarettes is what is accounted for under the illegal distribution category. That is out of a total of approximately 207 million packets of cigarettes. That clearly shows the problem of cigarette consumption. Despite all the efforts by the Department and even the financial constraints put on the purchase of cigarettes more than 200 million packets were still sold in the country. However, I refer to the fact that some 21 million packets are in illegal distribution. Furthermore, we see the prevalence now of the illegal distribution of roll-up tobacco pouches. It is a very serious problem. The 6% reduction in the illegal sale of packets of cigarettes in the past seven years is welcome, but 21 million packets are in distribution. That is a loss to the Exchequer of approximately €170 million, which is significant, not only from the Revenue's point of view but also from the point of view of the Department of Health in terms of its pursuance to reduce smoking in this country.