Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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366. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to implement additional measures to counteract cross-Border smuggling and illegal trade in products such as fuel, tobacco and alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20873/20]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The serious threat that illicit trade in tobacco, alcohol and fuel products poses to legitimate business, to consumers and the Exchequer is clear and I am assured that combating such criminality continues to be a Revenue priority.  Revenue and An Garda Síochána collaborate closely in acting against cross-Border fuel, alcohol and tobacco crime, and also cooperate with their counterparts in Northern Ireland under the framework of the North-South Joint Agency Task Force. This cooperation plays a key role in targeting the organised crime groups who operate across jurisdictions and are responsible for much of this criminality.

I am satisfied that Revenue’s work in this area has achieved a considerable level of success. For my part, I will fully consider any additional proposals for legislative change that may be brought forward by Revenue which would enhance its capacity to deal effectively with fraud and criminality in these areas.