Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 254 of 13 October 2009, if he has received a report from the Garda regarding his views on the opinion of retailers that the recently introduced public display ban makes it easier for criminals and rogue shopkeepers to infiltrate the legitimate trade channels with contraband and counterfeit packages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7690/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have received reports from both the Garda and Revenue authorities in relation to this matter. The Revenue Authorities advise that there is no evidence that the point of sale display ban, that was introduced last July, has contributed to the problem of cigarette smuggling. Prior to the introduction of the ban, counterfeit and contraband cigarettes were usually 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. An Garda Síochána, separately and in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners, will continue to target offenders and, where appropriate directions are received from the Law Officers, prosecute any person, whether they are legitimate traders or not, found to be engaged in the sale and / or distribution of counterfeit / contraband cigarettes.