Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I also welcome the opportunity to debate the report of BIPA's Committee A. I am standing in at short notice for a colleague. Unfortunately, Senator Moran is unwell. She is our representative in BIPA and has a strong interest in this issue.

I echo the comments of other colleagues on the necessity of ensuring a cross-Border approach to tackling this sort of illicit trade. Indeed, it is not trade, but criminal activity, as other Members have made clear. The Minister of State referred to fuel fraud and cigarette smuggling, which are serious concerns. I am a member of the justice committee, which has examined the consequences of the significant level of smuggling in terms of the very visible sale of cigarettes on the streets of central Dublin.

I welcome the report's important findings, particularly on the need for police co-operation. As the Minister of State mentioned, this is not just a matter for the Department of Finance, but also for the Department of Justice and Equality. The legislative and administrative measures that have been taken by the Government to support revenue and custom authorities as well as the police North and South cross both Departments and jurisdictions. I welcome the proactive steps that have been taken.

I have listened to my colleagues, who are more versed in this area and have worked on the report. It is good to hear of the levels of success achieved in tackling these issues. Given the ongoing difficulties in Stormont, it is good to hear of all-island mechanisms that are working well and cross-Border co-operation initiatives that are having tangible achievements. We welcome this and I support my colleagues. It is good to know that there is cross-party support for the report.