27 Mr. Clohessy asked the Minister for Finance the steps, if any, the Customs and Excise branch of the Revenue Commissioners are taking to suppress the open sale of smuggled cigarettes and tobacco; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20315/96]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are fully alert to the situation that prevails with regard to illegal street trading in smuggled cigarettes and tabacco and are taking steps to combat this problem.

The Commissioners have statutory responsibility for preventing the illegal importation of tobacco products and the sale of unstamped products within the State. Customs are working in close co-operation with the Garda in a series of on-street joint operations with a view to suppressing this illegal trade. Arising from these operations an increasing number of prosecutions in the courts have taken place. It is intended to intensify these efforts.

Apart from efforts at street vendor level, investigations are continuing in an effort to trace the source of tobacco products feeding this illicit trade and urgent inquiries are being pursued in this area with the investigation services of our EU partners.