asked the Minister for Finance if he would consider a relaxation of customs restrictions on gift parcels entering this country in the Christmas period.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Customs Duty on Christmas Gifts.
2.
Certain duty concessions are already allowed in the case of imported gift parcels of relatively low value. There appear to be administrative and other objections to any wide extension of these concessions but I have caused the whole subject to be brought under review in consultation with the other Departments Concerned.
The Minister is no doubt aware that the restrictions in other countries at the Christmas season are considerably less than in this country and can he not see his way to admitting gift parcels providing they are not of a very high cash value?
I am not sure that the Deputy is right that the restrictions in other countries are considerably fewer than ours. He may be right but of course it would be impossible to exempt gift parcels entirely because as the Deputy must be aware there would be abuses.
Perhaps the Minister would inquire further into the matter?
Will the Minister bear in mind that most of these gifts are for the poorer sections of the community?
We have to apply the same rules to everyone.