318. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Finance for a detailed update on the work of the Revenue Commissioners and JATF in addressing cross-Border smuggling of tobacco products from Northern Ireland; the details of the number of searches and seizures carried-out in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34278/25] 

Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Finance: I am advised by Revenue that it uses a range of measures to tackle the illicit tobacco trade. 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, 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. 

The JATF was established under the 2015 Fresh Start Agreement and is an excellent example of successful cross border partnership to tackle organised and cross jurisdictional crime on the island of Ireland. It is led by senior officers on both a strategic and operational level from Revenue, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) with the Criminal Assets Bureau and National Crime Agency involved as needed in operational activity. Revenue alongside HMRC lead on the Excise Fraud Priority. The JATF promotes real-time collaboration between Revenue and HMRC in efforts to disrupt the activities of organised crime groups involved in serious excise fraud. 

I am advised by Revenue that the JATF produces a report twice yearly. The most recent report relates to the period October 2024 to March 2025 and highlights a number of specific joint operational successes including in the areas of excise fraud, drugs trafficking and rural crime. There were 6 excise operations outlined in the most recent report and 4 for the previous reporting period (1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024), highlighting the significant level of cooperation and operational activity between Revenue and the HMRC in tackling excise fraud. 

The number of investigations into organised crime groups involved in excise fraud initiated through the task force in each respective year is outlined in tabular form below:

I am advised by Revenue that the number of searches conducted is not readily available. The number, quantity and value of cigarettes and tobacco seized from 2021 to end May 2025 are outlined in the tables below:

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 assured that combatting tobacco smuggling is, and will continue to be, a priority for Revenue and I commend Revenue and all the relevant State agencies for their work in this important area.