Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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177. To ask the Minister for Finance the amount of nitrous oxide that was seized by the Revenue Commissioners in 2021 to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27855/22]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that it had 75 seizures of nitrous oxide in 2021, consisting of 385,891 canisters. To date in 2022, Revenue has had 106 product seizures, consisting of 2,350 canisters.

Nitrous oxide is not prohibited and has a number of legitimate uses, for example in the food industry. However, where Revenue has reasonable grounds for believing that importations of nitrous oxide will not be used for legitimate purposes and is intended for human consumption as a psychoactive substance, then Revenue has the power to detain and seize nitrous oxide in accordance with the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010. I know that Revenue works closely with other agencies in the State including An Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice and the Health Products Regulatory Authority in acting against the illegal drugs trade. I am assured by Revenue that combating the importation of any prohibited or restricted goods into this jurisdiction is, and will continue to be, a Revenue priority.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by Revenue that the number of persons successfully prosecuted for cigarette or tobacco smuggling in 2021 and to date in 2022 is set out in the table below. The number of persons successfully prosecuted for other cigarette or tobacco-related offences, including the sale and supply of illicit tobacco products is also shown.

I am advised by Revenue that it uses a range of measures designed to identify and target the smuggling, supply, or sale of illicit tobacco products, with a view to disrupting the supply chain, seizing the products and, where possible, prosecuting those involved. Revenue’s strategy involves 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 on a risk-focused basis.

The Government has ensured through the Finance Acts over recent years that Revenue has the necessary legislative framework for tackling the illicit tobacco trade and I am satisfied that the current legislative framework provides an effective basis for Revenue’s work in this regard. I am always open to considering any proposals from Revenue for legislative changes in this area in the future in the light of developments and experience.