Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. I commend the work of the Revenue Commissioners, as well as the times when it is supported by other statutory agencies. As we know, it often works in difficult circumstances and in many instances is dealing with dangerous criminals. Unfortunately, the illicit cross-Border trade in drinks, household fuel and tobacco products is still going on. I appeal to the Minister to constantly review the situation and give diligent consideration to strengthening some of the powers of the Revenue Commissioners. As we all know, unfortunately, revenue is being lost to our State. Allied to that are the unfair burdens put on decent and honourable small and medium enterprises, which are trying to compete with people who are trading illegally. The carbon tax is an additional burden in respect of household fuel products. Products are coming from Northern Ireland to Border counties and much further south. Our decent and honourable businesses cannot compete. We need to strengthen the powers of the Revenue Commissioners and other statutory agencies to deal with this trade which is happening as we speak.

See this speech in context