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

Question 307: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he advised the Department of Finance that the high price of cigarettes was leading to an increase in cigarette smuggling; if this information was made available to the Department of Finance prior to the introduction of budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7691/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In October 2009, I wrote to my colleague, the Minister for Finance in relation to cigarette smuggling. In that letter I expressed my concerns about the health and exchequer implications of illegal cigarette smuggling. At no stage, did I refer to the high price of cigarettes leading to an increase in cigarette smuggling. Law enforcement in relation to smuggled cigarettes is primarily a matter for the Customs authorities of the Revenue Commissioners as most offences committed are contrary to the Finance Acts.