Written answers
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Department of Health and Children
Tobacco Products
9:00 pm
Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 171: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce a consumer awareness campaign to inform the public of the consequences of buying illicit and smuggled cigarettes; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that more that one in every four cigarettes consumed in Ireland last year was smuggled and, therefore, circumvented the tobacco control measures of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41787/10]
Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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The Revenue Commissioners are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax and for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products. In relation to cigarette smuggling, a survey carried out independently on behalf of the Revenue Commissioners and the Office of Tobacco Control in 2009, estimated that approximately 20% of cigarettes consumed in the State had not been taxed in this jurisdiction. It is important to emphasise that this estimate includes both illicit cigarettes and legal cross-border purchases brought into the State for personal consumption. The Revenue Commissioners would further tentatively estimate that this figure of 20% comprises 14% illicit product and 6% legal cross-border purchases.
The development and roll-out of social marketing campaigns to raise awareness on health and lifestyle behaviours is a matter for the Health Service Executive. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
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