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

On the broader issue in this chapter, because it is, as Mr. Gilligan rightly said, an internationally-backed scenario, as can be seen from where this ship was registered, Mr. Cody said in his opening statement that tobacco taxation is a key policy instrument. When he looks at the map in figure 17.1, which deals with the cost of cigarettes throughout the continent, it is €5 a pack in Spain, €3 in Turkey, €5 in Austria and €2 in Albania and Russia, whereas it is €12 in Ireland. Although he said it is a key policy instrument, the question is whether the high price is fuelling the illegal tobacco trade in Ireland to such an extent that the battle is being lost. Does he believe the Revenue Commissioners are fighting a losing battle and, as he said, just trying to disrupt this trade? How much is slipping through without being detected?