Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The figures on tackling tobacco smuggling are fascinating. There is a 7% detection rate. The most significant figure is the amount going back to the Government. It is 79% of each packet of cigarettes. Total excise and VAT now represents just over 79% of the retail price per pack in Ireland. So 79% of the cost of every packet of cigarettes is going back to the Government. There is a serious question there about health issues - it is for another day - if that much revenue is going back for every packet of cigarette consumed. The detection rate is 7%. How does it compare internationally? In terms of scanning illegal products coming through, I understand that up to now Revenue could not distinguish. Will Mr. Cody clarify that?