Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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75. To ask the Minister for Finance the current rate of illicit tobacco here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43615/14]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the scale of the illicit cigarette market in Ireland is estimated through annual surveys undertaken, for them and the National Tobacco Control Office of the Health Services Executive, by Ipsos MRBI. The most recent survey, undertaken in 2013, indicated that 11% of the cigarettes consumed in Ireland were illicit, and that a further 5% were non Irish duty paid which were legally brought into the country. The comparable figures for illicit cigarettes in 2012 and 2011 were 13% and 14% respectively, with the legally imported non Irish duty paid cigarettes at 6% and 7%. This would suggest that the extent of the problem is being contained as a result of the extensive action being taken against the smuggling, distribution and sale of illicit product.

An additional survey was conducted in 2013 to ascertain the incidence of illicit packs of "roll your own" tobacco. The survey found that 15% of the packs held by smokers surveyed were illicit, and that a further 2% were legal Non-Irish Duty Paid.

A further survey is being undertaken this year and it is expected that the results will be available towards the end of the first quarter in 2015.

I am advised also that combating the illegal tobacco trade is, and will continue to be, a high priority for Revenue. Their work against this illegal activity includes a range of measures designed to identify and target those who are engaged in the supply or sale of illicit products, with a view to seizing the illicit products and prosecuting those responsible. This multi-faceted strategy includes on-going analysis of the nature and extent of the problem, developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, the use of analytics and detection technologies and ensuring the optimum deployment of resources at points of importation and within the country.

Interception of illicit tobacco products is achieved by Revenue through a combination of risk analysis, profiling and intelligence and the screening of cargo, vehicles, baggage and postal packages. Revenue officers also target the illicit trade at the post-importation level by carrying out intelligence-based operations and random checks at retail outlets, markets and private and commercial premises.

Revenue cooperates extensively with An Garda Síochána in combating the illicit trade, and the relevant agencies in the State also work closely with their counterparts in Northern Ireland, through a cross-border group on tobacco enforcement, to target the organised crime groups that are responsible for a large proportion of the illegal tobacco market. In addition, cooperation takes place with other revenue administrations and with the European Anti-Fraud Office, OLAF, in the on-going programmes at international level to tackle the illicit trade.

I am assured that the commitment to acting against all stages of the supply chain for illicit products will be maintained and that Revenue will continue to make every effort to ensure that those involved in the illicit trade are brought to account before the Courts for their criminal activities.