Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 124: To ask the Minister for Finance the amount of cigarettes, tobacco products, alcohol and so on seized by customs and excise for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33309/11]

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

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners who have primary responsibility for detecting and preventing the smuggling of fiscal and prohibited goods, that they regard the tackling of the illicit trade in tobacco, mineral oil and alcohol products to be a high priority area. The strategy employed by Revenue to tackle illicit trading is multi-faceted. 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 detection technologies, optimum deployment of resources at point of importation and internally to intercept the contraband product and to prosecute those involved. Interception at the point of importation is achieved through a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence, and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages. Revenue enforcement officers also target illicit trading at the post-importation level by carrying out intelligence-based operations and random checks at retail outlets, markets and private and commercial premises. Revenue also carries out regular multi-agency operations, particularly in relation to tobacco and mineral oil products. The information requested by the Deputy is listed as follows.