Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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238. To ask the Minister for Finance if we will give detailed consideration to a document recently produced by a national organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33300/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Revenue is a fully integrated tax and customs administration, with approximately 2,000 of its staff engaged in activities that are focused on targeting and confronting non-compliance. For effective operational management, Revenue allocate resources to different aspects of enforcement and compliance work and these resources are adjusted and realigned in response to changes in the level of risk in different sectors.

I am advised by Revenue that it uses a range of measures designed to identify and target those involved in the smuggling, supply or sale of illicit tobacco products, including duty free in excess of allowances, with a view to disrupting the supply chain, seizing the products and, where possible, prosecuting the persons 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.

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.

In that regard, I am aware that Revenue monitors trends in illicit trade on an ongoing basis and adjusts its actions and redeploys its resources in response to new developments or methodologies employed by the criminal gangs involved in that trade.

The long established and close working relationship between Revenue and HMRC remains central in enabling the two organisations to collaborate effectively in tackling cross border excise fraud and disrupt those involved in this criminal activity across the island of Ireland.

In addition to working closely with An Garda Síochána and its counterparts in Northern Ireland, Revenue also works closely with the relevant authorities in other jurisdictions, such as the EU’s Anti-Fraud office, (OLAF), Europol and other international organisations, including the World Customs Organisation, in the ongoing programmes of action at international level to combat tobacco crime.

Revenue is very conscious of the resourcefulness of those involved and remains vigilant for, and ready to respond to, any new developments in these areas.

Revenue recognizes the risks associated with the availability of duty-free tobacco and takes appropriate measures to mitigate those risks. In its efforts to detect excess duty-free goods, Revenue’s Customs Officers regularly deploy detector dog units and use a combination of risk analysis, profiling, intelligence and the screening of checked-in and carry-on baggage. In 2024 Revenue purchased and deployed an additional mobile baggage scanner which is being used in conjunction with Revenue’s other resources to help identify illicit products contained in passengers’ baggage. Revenue’s strategy also involves developing and sharing intelligence on a national, EU and international basis. Revenue continues to adopt an agile response to this threat and monitors trends in the illicit tobacco trade on an ongoing basis and adjusts its actions and redeploys its resources in response to new developments or methodologies employed by the criminal gangs involved in that trade.

Revenue frequently engages with duty-free operators at the points of entry into the State to discuss the duty-free regime and any additional measures to mitigate against the importance of excess duty-free goods.

The table below outlines the number of summary and indictable prosecutions for cigarette and tobacco related offences 2024 to the end May 2025:

The Government has ensured through the Finance Acts over the years that Revenue has the necessary statutory powers to tackle the illicit tobacco trade. On an ongoing basis Revenue keeps the legislative framework under review having regard to new or emerging risks. Revenue will continue to work closely with the Department of Finance in this regard.