Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 714: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the amount of garda time and resources spent in combating the illicit and counterfeit cigarette trade here; if garda resources in this area have increased in the past five years; the number of gardaí assigned to this area over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38226/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that all members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with enforcing criminal legislation in collaboration with other relevant agencies within and outside the State. The Anti-Racketeering Unit, within the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, provides expert guidance and support to Divisional and District Garda personnel tasked with the investigation of the importation and sale of illicit and counterfeit goods, including cigarettes.

I am also informed by the Garda authorities that records on PULSE indicate that, in 2008, members of An Garda Síochána seized 430,000 cigarettes with almost 12,500,000 cigarettes seized up to recently in 2009. In addition to this, a multi-agency law enforcement operation, which included An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners, resulted in the seizure of a very significant quantity of cigarettes and the arrest of nine (9) persons last week in Louth.

Records on PULSE do not differentiate between counterfeit and contraband products, as they are recorded as 'cigarettes seized'. An Garda Síochána along with the Revenue Commissioners continue to adopt a proactive approach on an interagency basis to combating the sale and supply of illicit cigarettes in this country.

The Criminal Assets Bureau, in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners (Customs & Excise) and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs have been involved in a number of operations targeting the large scale importation of cigarettes by organised crime gangs. These investigations have resulted in a number of actions by the Criminal Assets Bureau against individuals involved in this activity. As part of its statutory remit the Criminal Assets Bureau will continue to target the proceeds of this criminal activity.

At the end of 2004 the personnel strength of an Garda Síochána was 12,209 and the current strength, on the latest date for which figures are readily available, is 14,716 which shows an increase of over 2,500 in that time frame. Responsibility for the allocation of personnel within the force, including to the National Criminal Bureau of Investigation, rests with the Garda Commissioner, in consultation with his senior management team. Resource levels are constantly monitored, in conjunction with crime trends and other demands made on An Garda Síochána and the situation will be kept under review.