Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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70. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will provide an update on the number of tobacco seizures in each month since January 2011; the amount of cigarettes and tobacco seized in each month since January 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35655/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that combating the illegal tobacco trade is, and will continue to be, a very high priority for them. The Commissioners’ “Strategy on Combating the Illicit Tobacco Trade (2011-2013)”, which is published on the Revenue website (www.revenue.ie), includes a wide range of measures designed to target those engaged in the supply and sale of illicit tobacco products and very significant resources are being devoted to this issue in 2013. This multi-faceted strategy includes:

- the ongoing analysis of the nature and extent of the problem

- developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis

- the ongoing review of operational policies by a high-level group within Revenue that is chaired by one of the Commissioners

- the development of analytics and detection technologies and

- the optimum deployment of resources at both point of importation and within the country to intercept and seize contraband products and to prosecute those involved.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the monthly seizures of cigarettes and tobacco in 2011 and 2012, and this year to 14th July are as detailed in the following tables.

2011

2012

2013