Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 51: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he has received information from the Garda Síochána confirming media reports that statistically, the largest importers of illegal cigarettes are dissident republicans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39561/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The fight against tobacco smuggling involves close co-operation between An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service, which has primary responsibility in this area.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that there is involvement by so-called dissidents in the smuggling of tobacco products. This is a matter which has been confirmed by the Independent Monitoring Commission in various reports. Of its nature, the degree of involvement cannot be stated with absolute certainty.

However, I can assure the House that all the agencies involved are committed to counteracting the illicit trade in cigarettes, regardless of whether those who lie behind this activity are so-called dissidents or organised crime gangs.