More than 61,000 cigarettes were seized by Revenue officers during a search in Co Tipperary this week.

The seizure was made at a house in Clonmel on Tuesday, as part of an ongoing operation targeting the sale and supply of illicit cigarettes in what Revenue refers to as the ‘Shadow Economy'.

The cigarettes, branded Viceroy, L&M Blue, Nevada and Winston are said to have had a retail value in excess of €31,000, representing  potential loss to the exchequer of €26,000.

A Polish man in his 40s was questioned and a file is being prepared with a view to a prosecution.

Labour’s Alan Kelly has introduced a Bill which he says is aimed at boosting craft beer touism in Ireland.

The Tipperary TD says the Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016, would allow breweries, micro breweries, cider makers and distilleries to sell their own produce to tourists and other visitors on-site.

At present this is not allowed unless the premises has a pub license or an off-license. Deputy Kelly believes this is hampering the industry which is expanding considerably at the moment.  He also asked what would the case would be if Italy, France or Spain prevented tourists who visit vineyards from purchasing at the end of their tour.  

The bill includes safeguards such as time restrictions of between 10am and 6pm for sales, and fines to ensure owners don't sell alcohol that is not brewed on site.