Written answers

Wednesday, 18 January 2023

Department of Finance

Tobacco Control Measures

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

359. To ask the Minister for Finance the amount of funding that has been provided to the Revenue Commissioners in the years 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023 to combat tobacco smuggling; and if the Revenue Commissioners is developing a dedicated anti-smuggling strategy. [1810/23]

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Revenue is a fully integrated tax and customs administration and, as a result, I am advised that it is not possible to disaggregate the funding dedicated, at any given time, to combat tobacco smuggling. Revenue currently has approximately 2,000 staff engaged on activities that are focused on targeting and confronting non-compliance. These front-line activities include anti-smuggling and anti-evasion, investigation and prosecution, audit, assurance checks, anti-avoidance, returns compliance and debt collection. Resources allocated to these different aspects of Revenue’s overall compliance management work are adjusted and realigned in response to changes in the level of risk in and across different sectors. Additionally, I am advised by Revenue that, in its experience, those involved in the illicit tobacco trade do not necessarily confine themselves to a particular commodity type. As a result, Revenue implements an integrated approach to all forms of illegal trade as distinct from adopting a dedicated product or commodity specific focus.

Revenue’s Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 includes a commitment to confronting non-compliance, including tobacco smuggling. This commitment is given operational priority each year through Revenue’s business planning and delivery framework having regard to risk and trends and developments within illegal trades and the modus operandi of those involved. Revenue’s actions under these operational plans are designed to maximise coordination and efficiency Revenue-wide to deliver the best impact for the effort involved.

I am assured by Revenue that it implements a range of measures 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 develops and shares intelligence on a national, EU and international basis, and deploys analytics and detection technologies to inform its risk focused deployment of resources.

The smuggling of tobacco products has a transnational and cross border dimension and, in addition to Revenue’s ongoing cooperation with An Garda Síochána in this area, I am advised that Revenue also works closely with its counterparts in other jurisdictions including colleagues in Northern Ireland through the Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force (JATF), and international bodies including OLAF (the EU’s anti-fraud agency), Europol and the World Customs Organisation.

Revenue’s activities aimed at combatting tobacco smuggling has yielded excellent results with over 60 million illicit cigarettes and 38,246 kg of illicit tobacco seized in 2021 and over 51 million cigarettes and 11,759 kg of illicit tobacco seized in 2022.

Finally, the Government has ensured through the Finance Acts over recent years that Revenue has the necessary statutory powers to enable it to deliver on its key functions. I am satisfied that the current legislative framework provides an effective basis for Revenue undertaking and continuing its important work against the illegal tobacco trade. I am always open to consider proposals from Revenue that will address new or emerging risks that they may identify which cannot be addressed through the current and significant legislative framework in place in regard to tobacco smuggling.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.