asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that dutiable goods at present being imported into the Saorstát are held up by the Customs officers at the various ports and railway stations, for periods of at least one month, and in many cases up to six months; whether, owing to the great inconvenience caused to traders and persons requiring such goods, proper clearing facilities will be afforded.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CLEARING FACILITIES AT THE PORTS.
I am not aware of any case in which dutiable goods have been held up by the Customs Authorities where accurate documents have been presented, but if the Deputy can supply me with particulars of any specific cases I will have enquiries made. I am not clear as to the facilities to which the Deputy refers in the second part of his question. The Customs Authorities are only responsible for the examination of goods and the collection of the proper duties; they are not responsible for providing facilities for the actual clearance of the goods.
Arising out of the Minister's answer I would like to know whether the necessary declaration forms will be supplied to the Post Office for the use of the local Custom officers, as at the present time it takes at least a fortnight to obtain the forms, and this is the principal difficulty and delay in obtaining the goods.
I will have attention given to that matter.