Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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271. To ask the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 247 of 5 February 2025, the number of prosecutions that were taken at both district and circuit court level in each year from 2020 to 2024, inclusive; the number of these prosecutions that resulted in a summary conviction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13295/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As outlined in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 247 of 5 February 2025, I am aware that Revenue uses a range of measures to tackle the smuggling, supply or sale of illicit tobacco products with a view to disrupting the supply chain, seizing the illicit product 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 table below outlines the number of summary and indictable convictions that Revenue secured in respect of tobacco-related offences for the years 2020 to 2024, inclusive.

In addition to the 75 summary and 7 indictable tobacco-related offence convictions in 2024, I am pleased to say that Revenue has achieved considerable success in the seizure of illicit tobacco products with 112 million cigarettes valued at €95.6 million and 39,407kg of tobacco valued at €32.6 million seized in 2024.

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.