asked the Minister for Finance if he will examine the possibility of having all customs frontier posts in North Donegal opened earlier to facilitate tourists disembarking at Derry and Belfast ports, who must under the present arrangements wait at frontier posts to have their luggage and personal belongings cleared; and if he is aware of the fact that Donegal and Derry taxi owners who pay requests find the present arrangement most unsatisfactory.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Customs Posts.
12.
The frontier posts in North Donegal at Muff, Bridgend and Carrigans open normally at 7 a.m. daily and that at Kildrum at 8 a.m. Customs attendances at these posts before the official hours of opening is given on prior request and payment of a fee of 2s. per vehicle except that attendance is given on request at Kildrum between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. without payment of a fee.
To facilitate travellers arriving by boat at Derry the Revenue Commissioners are arranging to provide customs attendances from 6.30 a.m. at these posts during the tourist season, thus eliminating the need for prior requests. The fee of 2s. per vehicle for clearances earlier that 7 a.m. will continue to be chargeable at these posts as at all other frontier posts.
Is the Minister aware that emigrants, and particularly migrants from County Donegal returning from Britain arrive in Derry about 5.30 a.m.? It is impossible to get into any place for refreshments at that time and they are held up awaiting the opening of the Border until 6.30 a.m. Could the Minister arrange that the Border will open an hour or two earlier at the time of the arrival of the Derry boat?
My information is that the boat arrives at 6 a.m. and if the Border post is open at 6.30 a.m. there cannot be a long delay.
That may be so in the summer but I doubt if it is so in the winter.
If my information is wrong, the Deputy could let me know.