200. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Finance if funding has been allocated for expanded operations to the Joint Agency Task Force to tackle the cross-Border smuggling of illicit tobacco products. [60616/25]

Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Finance: I am advised that Revenue 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. Additionally, it works with Northern Ireland agencies to address cross-border smuggling and dismantle organised crime networks involved in the illegal tobacco market.

The cross border Joint Agency Task Force (JATF) which was established under the 2015 Fresh Start Agreement promotes real-time collaboration between Revenue and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in their efforts to disrupt the activities of organised crime groups involved in serious excise fraud. As a multi-agency coordination structure, the Task Force does not have a separate staffing complement or budget. Revenue customs and excise officers are deployed as required by operational demands.

I am advised that Revenue uses a range of measures to tackle the sale of illicit cigarettes. 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.

Revenue’s customs and excise officers at the ports and airports and the inland enforcement teams are the frontline of Revenue’s response to smuggling of illicit tobacco products. The teams work closely with HMRC under the JATF framework in tackling cross-border movement of illicit tobacco products. I am advised by Revenue that it monitors trends in the illicit tobacco trade, both nationally and internationally, on an ongoing basis and adjusts its actions and deploys its resources accordingly, in response to practices and methodologies employed by the criminal gangs involved in that trade.

I am pleased to say that Revenue has achieved considerable success in tackling the illicit tobacco trade. Each year Revenue publishes in its annual report the volume and market values of tobacco seizures. A summary of cigarette seizures is provided in the table below.

*To end October 2025.

As of 31st October 2025, Revenue seized 22,106kgs of tobacco with a value of €19.5m and there were 51 summary convictions and € 97,280 in fines and 7 indictable convictions relating to tobacco offences imposed by the courts.

In addition, Revenue seized 39,407kgs of tobacco with a value of €32.6 million in 2024 and there were 75 summary convictions and €189,277 in fines and 11 indictable convictions relating to tobacco offences imposed by the courts in 2024.

I am assured by Revenue that combatting excise fraud and the associated smuggling of illicit tobacco products into and out of this jurisdiction is a priority for Revenue. Ongoing cooperation and collaboration with national and international law enforcement agencies, including UK counterparts, will continue to play an important role in this regard.