asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that 33 completely assembled lorries, fitted with tipping gear, were imported from Great Britain by Córas Iompair Éireann; and, if so, if he will state if authority was given the company for the importation of these vehicles; and if, in view of the fact that the tradesmen and the materials required to manufacture them in Ireland were available here, he will state the grounds on which their importation was authorised.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Importation of Lorries.
I am aware that a limited number of vehicles of the type referred to by the Deputy were imported recently for disposal ultimately to Córas Iompair Éireann. No specific authority is required for the importation of commercial vehicles. Such vehicles, whether completely assembled or otherwise, have been virtually unobtainable for a considerable time past and I regard it as fortunate that an opportunity arose of obtaining the vehicles in question, which were imported in the only condition in which they were available.