Written answers

Thursday, 6 April 2017

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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117. To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he plans to take in 2017 to prevent the loss of trade to Irish retailers as consumers cross the Border into the United Kingdom to purchase goods which are excisable. [17407/17]

Photo of Michael NoonanMichael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Relative price levels between Ireland and Northern Ireland for excisable products are an important factor in determining budgetary policy every year. These price levels are monitored on a regular basis. The most recent data from Revenue on indicative price levels for excisable products (alcohol, tobacco and mineral oil products) is outlined below. This is based on a crossborder price comparison carried out in November 2016, updated for the € / £ exchange rate as of 20 March 2017: (Exchange rate UK£1 = €0.86796)

Alcohol

ProductPrice in the State (€)Price in N.I. (€)Difference (€)
Can Lager2.051.710.34
Bottle of Wine (Chardonnay)10.358.252.10
Bottle of Whiskey24.8921.463.43
Bottle of Vodka20.0014.705.30

Tobacco products

ProductPrice in the State (€)Price in N.I. (€)Difference (€)
20 cigarettes11.3011.410.11
Roll your own tobacco (RYO) 25g pack12.4011.011.39

Mineral Oil Products:

Light oils - unleaded petrol3c/litre lower in the South
Light oils auto diesel14c/litre lower in the South
Home heating Kerosene15c/litre higher in the South
Home heating Diesel5c/litre higher in the South

Price differences between the South and North are determined by (i) VAT and excise rates in both jurisdictions, (ii) exchange rates, and (iii) the pricing strategies of retailers. I and my officials will continue to monitor price levels in order to avoid the emergence of differentials that would give rise to cross border diversion of trade and consumer spending in excisable products.

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