asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the growing indignation about the rigour and humiliation of customs examinations at Dublin Airport, of the frequency with which persons are accused of purchasing abroad goods which were purchased in Ireland, and of the fact that passengers are frequently delayed by those examinations for such long periods that they are prevented from catching the special airport coaches to the city centre; and if he will take remedial action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Customs Examinations at Dublin Airport.
16.
Mr. Ryan
It is universally accepted that customs examination necessarily involves some inconvenience for travellers. I am, however, quite satisfied that the ordinary customs examinations of passengers' baggage at Dublin Airport are not humiliating or unduly rigorous. Neither do they involve long delays for passengers.
The customs must employ a more intensive degree of examination where they have reason to suspect attempted smuggling. It follows that innocent parties may, occasionally, have to face more intensive examinations than usual; but even these are carried out as tactfully and as courteously as possible.
In the event of the customs officials taking quantities of second-hand clothing which people were wearing before they went to England and which are being brought back in suitcases, would the Minister ask the officials to return the clothing to the people concerned as mid-winter is a bad time to be left without one's clothing?
I am sure they have done that already.