asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that it is the established custom of international soccer teams to exchange gifts for each player as tokens of friendship; and that Irish teams going abroad always adhere to this custom without hindrance by foreign customs authorities; if so, if he will state the circumstances in which small travelling clocks intended for the Irish players were seized recently at Dublin Airport from officials accompanying the Scottish team; if any apology has been made for this discourtesy; and if he will ensure that similar discourtesy is not repeated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Seizure of Football Team's Gifts.
23.
The transaction referred to in the Question involved the importation of a parcel of thirty travelling clocks which were liable to duty at the rate of 50% ad valorem. The local Customs staff declined to admit these clocks free of duty as it was not within their discretion to do so. Clearance of the clocks without payment of duty was approved by the Revenue Commissioners as soon as they had an opportunity of considering the circumstances.
At no time was there any question of seizing the clocks and the suggestion that the action taken involved discourtesy is not well founded.
Would the Minister say whether it would not be right and proper that some official at the airport should have the necessary discretion to deal with cases such as this? Furthermore, is it not a fact that an unnecessary amount of zeal is being shown at the airport by the Minister's staff there which is causing considerable public resentment?
I think it would be altogether wrong to give discretion to ordinary officials at the airport to allow in what they think they may allow in. It is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. The decision was taken after consideration and the clocks were allowed in.