asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware of the very great trade potential that would be if tourists were allowed to purchase goods, normally subject to duty or a levy, free of such duty or levy; and whether, with a view to safeguarding genuine purchases by such tourists, he will take the steps necessary to permit traders to forward such goods to the customs depot at the tourists' point of departure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourists' Purchases.
The availability to departing foreign tourists, free of duty or levy, of goods ordinarily liable to such imposts would no doubt have some effect on the volume of tourist purchases, depending largely on the extent to which the relief might be passed on to the purchasers. I regret, however, it would not be feasible for administrative and other reasons to operate a general scheme such as that envisaged by the Deputy.