Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to move an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 14, the Employment Permits (Amendment) Bill 2012 be taken before No. 1 today. I hope there is consideration of that.

It is time for us to ensure there is a discussion on what is happening in Israel and Gaza at some point, but sooner rather than later. It seems to me that we must find a solution to the horror and terror that is being inflicted in that part of the world. I am sure that it is possible for a country such as this to have an input into the solution. Talks are ongoing in Egypt at the moment and it is hoped to reach a ceasefire, but I am not sure what stage the talks are at currently. It is clear from what it is happening in the Middle East that we could do with having a discussion on it. We should do so shortly.

Another topic we debated in the Joint Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation last week was the smuggling of counterfeit tobacco and other items. We have debated the matter previously but there is so much evidence that the Garda or whoever is in charge ? there is a doubt as to whether the drugs squad or the Garda should be tackling the issue ? believe that the penalties suffered by those who are caught smuggling are not in any way commensurate with what is needed. This is a serious problem. I gather that if one goes down Moore Street at the moment almost every second stand has someone selling cigarettes. I gather that cigarettes are sold house-to-house also. The cigarettes are not just smuggled, they are counterfeit. We must take the necessary steps to tackle the issue. Other smuggling is taking place as well but that one needs attention. The Garda have scanners that enable it to identify smuggled cigarettes but only two scanners are available. Investment in a scanner that would identify the location of smuggled tobacco would be worthwhile. I hope we could have a debate on the issue shortly.