Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS) disappointed at increase in excise tax which will directly impact retailers and the poorer in our society.

11 October 2016

This comes despite the fact that his own Department has acknowledged that such increase, as a result of the level of smuggling and resulting loss to the exchequer, will not increase the overall tax take of the State.

Retailers Against Smuggling Chairman Benny Gilsenan said this afternoon in Buswells Hotel “This move is nothing more than a measure which impacts the poor in our society– a greater % of poorer people in Irish society smoke than any other social class. To add insult to injury, by pushing consumers to affordable smuggled products, Minister Noonan’s measure will also help criminal gangs to sell their smuggled product which in turn negatively impacts legitimate retailers. There are TDs across the country who are vocal in their support of retailers and understand the negative impact on the trade of continual excise increases – despite this, Minister Noonan seems set on ignoring all of this to create the illusion of income.”

Benny continued: “We are very disappointed. We pay our taxes, comply with all the laws of the land, but Minister Noonan is penalising us and our customers, to create an illusion of tax take which ultimately hurts the poor and aids criminal gangs.”