Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 197: To ask the Minister for Finance if he received information of factors other than the high price of cigarettes which is contributing to the rise in cigarette smuggling; if he has received information which indicates that the introduction of point of sale display ban on tobacco in July 2009 has led to the increase in cigarette smuggling and illicit cigarette trades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7689/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that as regards the point of sale display ban that was introduced last July, there is no evidence that this has contributed to increased cigarette smuggling and illicit cigarette trades. Prior to the introduction of the ban, counterfeit and contraband cigarettes were not on open display in the retail outlets where they were detected and were usually kept hidden from sight. Furthermore a series of random checks on high street retail outlets have not uncovered counterfeit or contraband cigarettes on sale. On the other hand, inland detections are made primarily at markets, distribution centres and at certain unscrupulous retail outlets.

The high retail price of cigarettes in Ireland does contribute to Ireland being a target for organised crime gangs engaged in smuggling. The availability of cheap tax paid cigarettes in other EU Member States, which are easily accessible via frequent low-cost flights, is another significant factor.