Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The concerns the Cathaoirleach raises are 100% valid. I do not doubt them for an instant. As the Cathaoirleach will be aware, I have had these conversations with retailers. Of course, the responsibility for enforcement in this area lies with a number of agencies, including Revenue.

Next year, Revenue will receive a record budget of €610 million to ensure it has adequate provisions in terms of both equipment and people to ensure it has the highest number of checks. This is an ongoing issue, and I refer to the record haul of illegal cigarettes seized this year, which is something to be welcomed. Fuel smuggling across the Border remains a concern, however, in terms of solid fuel and red and green diesel. That is a long-standing issue we have encountered. We have also seen quite a number of diesel washing plants busted over the past year. We continue to invest it. Every request for additional funding that has been received will be met. It is not necessarily just about funding, but this is chasing an illicit activity that requires that continuing increase in investment and resources. Of course, our doors are always open to any representative bodies or individual traders who are aware of this activity. We make sure the Revenue Commissioners, other agencies and State bodies are fully funded to ensure they can chase this activity down as best possible. Indeed, I put the appeal out to any individuals who are aware of illegal cigarette sales, individual cigarette sales or whatever they may be that this is illegal activity which should be reported to An Garda Síochána first and foremost.