Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners, who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax, that Revenue employs a multi-faceted strategy for tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and other tobacco products. It includes ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, ongoing review of operational policies, development of analytics and deployment of detection technologies, optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and inland to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved. Revenue also regularly draws the attention of the public to the detrimental effects of the illicit tobacco trade. In July 2010, to coincide with the introduction of the confidential freephone number, advertisements highlighting the impact of cigarette smuggling, together with the freephone number (Freephone 1800 295 295), were placed in the national press and relevant trade publications. A journalists' press briefing was also held to publicise the freephone number and to raise awareness of Revenue's activities in tackling this illicit trade.

The Revenue Commissioners have received 165 calls via the confidential tobacco freephone since its launch in July 2010 to date. Revenue continues to promote the confidential free phone through its website and includes the phone number in all press releases relating to cigarette and tobacco seizures and in all radio and television interviews concerning the illicit tobacco trade. In addition, Revenue has enlisted the assistance of the main tobacco manufacturers who have all agreed to promote the free phone on their websites and in trade publications.

Revenue will be reviewing its overall approach to heightening public awareness of the increased health risks from the consumption of tobacco products of non-verifiable origin. However it is not clear at this stage that advertising of the type envisioned in the question, which is costly, represents the best approach or the best value.

Revenue will continue to encourage the public to assist in the fight against the illicit tobacco trade by providing information to Revenue, by means of the confidential freephone or otherwise, on the smuggling and sale of untaxed tobacco products. Significant seizures, prosecutions and enforcement initiatives in this area will also be highlighted in the coming year at local and national level.