asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that importers have to pay considerable sums in demurrage in respect of goods to the Port and Docks Board, when, in fact, they are without the necessary licences to enable them to remove the goods; and, if so, if he will state if the issue of import licences from his Department can be accelerated, especially where the goods are causing congestion in Dublin Port.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Demurrage Charges.
Every effort is made to deal as expeditiously as possible with applications for import licences. As a general rule, the licence, or recommendation as the case may be, is issued within a few days of the receipt of the application. So far as duty-free licences are concerned, as the Deputy is no doubt aware, these are issued not by my Department but by the Revenue Commissioners on my recommendation.
Importers, for their part, could help to obviate delays by ensuring that applications for import licences are lodged with the Department in good time and are accompanied by the necessary documents.
Does the Minister see any prospect of getting the demurrage charge remitted where there has been an unreasonable delay?
I have no power to vary the charge, but representations could no doubt be made to the port and docks authorities.