Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Bill. Notwithstanding the great work that Revenue and customs staff do, smuggling is a major issue. It needs more State focus and intervention to combat the industry. We know it leads to a loss of Exchequer funding, damages legally operating businesses and costs jobs in a variety of sectors.

I know from parts of Dublin Central that the sale of illegal cigarettes is lucrative for smugglers. While we acknowledge the dangers of smoking, the cost to health and to the health service, what is almost an annual 50 cent increase on a standard packet of cigarettes is contributing to an increase in smuggling and illegal selling. Tobacco is a legal and controlled product that premises are licensed to sell in accordance with the law. This year-on-year increase is punitive and does not help the retailers. However, it benefits smugglers and illegal sellers. There is a need for joined-up thinking between the Department of Health, the Revenue Commissioners and customs staff to examine the best way forward to eradicate smoking without lining the pockets of smugglers at the expense of retailers who pay their taxes.

The increase in illicit trade in solid fuel is also an issue. Grant Thorton has estimated that 30% of the market is now illicit.

People do not know what they are buying. There are risks to health and the environment; people who buy illegal cigarettes do not know what is in those cigarettes. They can be even more damaging than those sold legally; at least one knows what one is getting in the packet.

Revenue and customs have been to the forefront in the fight against illicit sales, but we know that those services will be stretched further when it comes to Brexit. The onus must shift from search and seize to consumer responsibility and consumer consciousness of the products they are buying. We have to expose the dangers they face when they buy illicit fuel, alcohol and cigarettes.

Another issue not mentioned in the Bill is the trade in smuggled animals, in particular puppies. It is no coincidence that some puppy farms are in Border counties, because those who operate them have the opportunity to smuggle puppies into the UK. These puppies live in horrendous conditions. We have had legislation, guidelines and review of guidelines, but without proper enforcement on this issue, and the other issues I have mentioned, that will continue. We have to get the point across that these products are not bargains, but that they are costly.

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