[Oireachtas] Dail Eireann debate. Written answer 182 - Illicit trade in tobacco [14757/13]. (26 Mar 2013)
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182. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the amount of revenue the State lost last year as a result of the importation of illegal tobacco and tobacco products; if he will consider increasing the fine for this offence as a measure to curb the amount of illegal importing taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14757/13]
Minister for Finance (Deputy Michael Noonan): I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that determining the extent of any illicit black market activity and the losses that it causes to the Exchequer is problematic, and that any estimates of such losses need to be viewed with caution. I understand that a survey in respect of 2011 carried out for the Revenue Commissioners and the Health Services Executive found that some 770 million illicit cigarettes were consumed in the State. This would indicate a loss of the order of €258 million, in excise duty and VAT, in that year. A similar survey was undertaken in 2012 and the final results are being compiled at present.
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