asked the Minister for Finance the main provisions and implications of the EEC proposal C. 14, 11.2.1971 in regard to approximating specific consumption taxes on liquid hydrocarbons to be used as fuels; the present status of the proposal; and the discussions held on it with interested groups by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EEC Tax Proposals.
12.
I would refer the Deputy to the reply I gave him on 1st December, 1971, Vol. 257, col. 926, regarding the draft proposal to which he refers. As I indicated in that reply, the proposal would provide that, as from 1st January, 1976, excise duty in excess of certain limits would not be levied on fuel oils. As these oils do not, at present, bear any effective charge of excise duty in this country the draft directive would not affect the current tax burden or the structure of our duties on oils. The necessity for discussions with trade interests does not, therefore, arise. The draft directive has not yet been adopted by the Council.
13.
asked the Minister for Finance the main provisions and implications for Ireland of the EEC proposal, C. 6, 22.1.1971, on self-employed activities; the present status of the proposal; and the discussions held thereon by his Department with interests in Ireland.
The EEC proposal to which the Deputy refers relates to a draft directive which sets out the conditions that would apply to the freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services in respect of a range of self-employed activities in the member states of the European Community.
As I indicated the document is in draft form and has been before the Council since June, 1971. Present indications are that it is not likely to be adopted before the enlargement of the Community takes place.
The draft directive is under examination by the various Departments which may have functions in relation to areas of activity covered by it, but its adoption in its present form would not appear to present any particular difficulties for this country. Any discussions with particular interests in Ireland would be a matter for the Departments concerned.
Would the Minister tell me if this proposal contains provisions for the qualifications for entry into particular professions and if the various professions which are likely to be affected, and which have existing qualifications which might be affected have been circulated with an English translation of the directive to ensure that they could make submissions to the Minister before a decision is taken, even after entry?
The draft directive does propose, in respect of certain occupations, a certain minimum period of training before one may avail of the benefits before taking up that profession in another member country. The matter is being examined at present. The stage has not been reached where it would be fruitful to have consultation with any interests affected here. There is not yet sufficient clarity on what is involved. Discussions are going on about that. In so far as any consultation is necessary with the interests, in Ireland, this would be a matter for the particular Departments involved. I cannot say with certainty at what stage that might happen.
Would the Minister agree that it would be a matter of considerable concern if, as a result of this directive, the qualifications for entry into any profession here had to be diluted to a level below that which exists at the moment, thereby reducing the standards of the profession?
I could not answer that question in theory. It would have to relate to a particular profession. It would also have to relate to what was, in fact, happening rather than what is in the draft. Apart from views any other country might have, our views have to be taken into account before the proposals are finally accepted.