John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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70. To ask the Minister for Finance if his Department is aware of the reports that social media platforms may be being used to illegally offer the sale of tobacco products; and what measures are being put in place to engage with social media platforms to detect and crack down on such activity. [43380/24]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by Revenue that it uses a range of measures to tackle the sale of illicit cigarettes, including online sales. At the core of these measures is identifying and targeting the smuggling of illicit tobacco products into the State, 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, which includes analysis of online activities, and ensuring the optimum deployment of resources on a risk-focused basis.

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, 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 regularly carries out analysis of online activity related to the sale of illicit tobacco products. When such activity is discovered, Revenue takes the appropriate steps to identify and prosecute such individuals and also seize the illicit goods. I am pleased to say that Revenue has achieved considerable success in tackling the sale of illicit tobacco products and products being sent via parcel post, with 724 seizures of cigarettes and 468 seizures of tobacco in 2023, with a combined value of over €2.7m and 483 seizures of cigarettes and 301 seizures of tobacco to the end September this year, with a combined value of nearly €2.6m.

In addition to this Revenue have secured 45 summary convictions with fines of €101,500 handed out in 2023 and 29 summary convictions with fines of €83,250 handed out to the end of September this year, related to the sale of illicit tobacco products. I am aware that Revenue monitors trends in the illicit tobacco trade on an ongoing basis and adjusts its actions and redeploys its resources to counter any new developments or methodologies employed by the criminal gangs involved in that trade.

I am satisfied that combating the threat that the illicit tobacco trade poses to legitimate business, consumers, and the Exchequer continues to be a priority for Revenue.

Finally, if businesses or members of the public have any information regarding the sale or supply of illicit tobacco products, they can contact Revenue on the confidential free phone number 1800 295 295.