Michael Noonan, the Minister of Finance, made comparisons of the prices of excisable products such as alcohol and cigarettes in Northern Ireland from last month.
Reportedly, he has said that he will be monitoring the prices to prevent differences that would see people crossing the border to shop.
He made the comments in the Dáil when asked about his plans to prevent loss of trade to Irish retailers, according to Journal.ie.
Some of the price differences included a bottle of whiskey which is €3.43 cheaper in NI and a bottle of wine is €2.10 less.
RYO tobacco is €1.39 less expensive across the border and 20 cigarettes, 11c cheaper.
He also said that price differences between the South and North are determined by VAT and excise rates in both jurisdictions, exchange rates and the pricing strategies of retailers.
He added, “Relative price levels between Ireland and Northern Ireland for excisable products are an important factor in determining budgetary policy every year.”
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
