Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I also support the calls for a public inquiry into the death of Pat Finucane. No family should have to endure what Geraldine Finucane and her family have endured in having to wait all those years for the truth about what happened to her husband. It is incumbent on the Government to keep the pressure on the British Government to ensure a public inquiry is held without further delay.

As we agonise over and discuss the cuts many of us find unacceptable in the budget, it is incumbent on us to review on an ongoing basis where we are losing revenue, much of which is happening under our noses. We have discussed on many occasions illegal activity such as the illicit trade in tobacco. So far this year, 90 million cigarettes have been seized and confiscated by the Revenue. One in four cigarettes smoked in Ireland is illegal and this percentage is as high as 45% in some areas. This means a major revenue loss for the State. The sanctions imposed on those who are caught are inadequate. I call on the Leader to invite the Minister for Justice and Equality to the House early in January to discuss illegal activity and how systems can be put in place it. The fines regime needs to be reviewed. Fines as high as ¤10,000 need to be imposed on those who are caught. A clampdown on illegal trading at fairs and markets is also needed and, because much of this activity is carried out by highly organised criminals, there needs to be greater public awareness about the loss of revenue to the State and the serious health implications. Illegal cigarettes contain arsenic and other poisonous substances which are more lethal than the contents of normal cigarettes. Diesel laundering and the black economy also need to be addressed. We need to examine all means of increasing revenue in order that we can limit the impact of cutbacks on the most vulnerable in our society as we try to balance the budget in difficult times.