Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

By supporting the Bill and endorsing the work put into it by my colleague, Deputy Breathnach, we are absolutely taking a stand that is needed against the sale of illicit goods. The sale of illicit goods on the black market is on the rise. The legislation would particularly tackle the sale of illicit goods such as tobacco, alcohol and solid fuel, and would make it an offence to purchase such illicit goods, particularly from a non-registered or unlicensed retailer. There is absolutely no doubt that the problems we have with smuggling adversely impact small retailers. According to some estimates the black economy costs the overall economy more than €2.3 billion a year and it costs the Exchequer more than €800 million a year. This is an incredible amount of money. We do not know the true figure as, by its very nature, this activity remains unseen. The cost could be far higher. This is more important than ever with the imposition of minimum unit pricing and the increase in excise on cigarettes. The onset of Brexit is also likely have an impact on the black economy.

Instead of focusing on the sellers of such goods the Bill focuses on the people buying these goods when they know or ought to have known they were illegally obtained and illicit. Alarm bells have to go off if people see a lower price than one would normally pay. Under the Bill "illicit" means an alcohol, tobacco or solid fuel product that is counterfeit or where the applicable taxes or duties have not been paid. While An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners will continue to face down the sellers of these products, by specifically focusing on the purchaser the Bill will act as a deterrent to those who know they are buying illicit goods. The Bill also seeks to instill a behavioural change among purchasers, which is very important. We need to change the culture around these and increase the potential cost of buying these goods.

I also welcome the fact the Bill introduces an on-the-spot fine of €100 for anyone caught purchasing illicit goods from an unregistered or unlicensed retailer. We need to stand by and support the small shopkeepers, retailers and small and medium enterprises. The Bill is certainly a measure to support those who pay their way and pay revenue. They are keeping their businesses going in the communities where they are needed.

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