asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil servants now engaged on customs work, and the number who are expected to be redundant should Ireland become a member of EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC: Redundant Customs Officials.
18.
Mr. Ryan
It is not possible to say exactly how many civil servants are engaged on customs work because many of the officers concerned have other functions, notably in relation to excise duties. It is estimated, however, that customs work by itself would account for about 1,175 officers.
Even after admission to the European Economic Community, the Common Market would not be expected to become fully operative as far as this country is concerned for several years. During the transitional period there would be no diminution in the responsibilities of the customs and the possibility of redundancy in that field is not, therefore, at present in view.
It would be premature to speculate now as to what our customs staffing requirements would be by the time the Common Market would be fully established.