Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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349. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of persons successfully prosecuted for tobacco and or cigarette smuggling in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form. [25941/25]

Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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350. To ask the Minister for Finance the resources he is allocating to the Revenue Commissioners for new or improved enforcement actions to combat illicit tobacco smuggling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25942/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 350 together.

I am assured that Revenue is committed to targeting the illicit tobacco trade. 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’s strategy also 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.

Revenue keeps its operational requirements and arrangements regarding the deployment and use of detection technology and resources, including a suite of x-ray scanners, electronic risk analysis tools, detector dog teams and maritime cutters, under continuous review having regard to ongoing risk assessment of smuggling and criminal activities and evolving operational needs. I am aware that Revenue expects its new Customs Cutter, which will replace the RCC Suirbhéir, to come into service in September 2025. Furthermore, as part of the redevelopment of Rosslare Europort, a new high energy X-ray gantry system will be deployed in 2025. This is the first high energy X-ray gantry system to be deployed in the State and is expected to enter service before year end.

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 optimises media engagement in terms of successful prosecutions, significant seizures and enforcement initiatives, ensuring the general public is aware of the commitment by Revenue to tackling the illicit cigarette and tobacco trade and to deter those involved. To further encourage the general public to engage with Revenue in its efforts targeting the shadow economy and the supply of illegal tobacco products, Revenue includes a message on all press releases relating to tobacco products notifying that businesses or members of the public can contact Revenue in confidence on the free phone number 1800 295 295 at any time.

I am pleased to acknowledge that Revenue has achieved considerable success in tackling the illicit tobacco trade. In 2024, Revenue had 4,920 seizures of cigarettes valued at €95.6m and 1,500 seizures of tobacco with an estimated value of €32.6m. To the end of April 2025, Revenue had 1,731 seizures of cigarettes valued at €13.9m and 529 seizures of tobacco valued at €12.7m. Further successes, highlighting Revenue’s approach to the illicit tobacco trade include the detection and dismantling of an illicit commercial cigarette factory in Dublin in February 2024 and in Co. Louth in March 2025.

In addition to the above, the table below outlines the number of prosecutions secured in respect of cigarette/tobacco smuggling from 2023 to the end of April 2025:

The Government has been consistent in its strong support for ensuring that Revenue has the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate in respect of functions that are critical for its effective functioning as a tax and customs administration, and I remain open to considering any proposals from Revenue that will support its work in combatting fraud, illicit trade and smuggling.

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.