asked the Minister for Finance the action he proposes to take to expedite clearances on road vehicles travelling between Northern Ireland and this part of the country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Road Vehicle Customs Clearance.
28.
Delays in connection with customs clearance of road vehicles carrying merchandise across the land frontier have been experienced more frequently because of the greatly increased volume of such traffic passing through Dundalk in recent years. I am having the problems further examined with a view to finding an early solution in so far as the causes of delay may relate to matters within my control.
Has the Taoiseach noticed a report in The Irish Times on Monday, 4th October, which showed that it took a particular truck 15 hours to travel from Belfast to Dublin, a distance of approximately 100 miles, that is, three hours' driving, an hour's clearance at the Northern customs and eleven hours for clearance at the Dundalk customs? If there is an increased volume of traffic would the Department ensure that there would not be those delays, especially with transportation costs as they are at present which must have the effect of increasing the price of many commodities coming into this area.
The Deputy is probably aware that the Revenue Commissioners have in recent years made a number of special arrangements to expedite the clearance of goods. If documents are in order when presented and so on, there is no delay. The Revenue Commissioners however are investigating to see whether there is any way of speeding up cases where delays occur.
Is the Taoiseach telling the House that where documents are in order there is no delay?
Not normally, unless there is traffic congestion.
The Taoiseach said that if documents were in order there was no delay. I cannot accept that, because I have seen instances where the documents were in order and where there was delay.
The Deputy will appreciate that there are certain requirements that must be complied with, both under EEC regulations as well as under customs regulations.
Is the Taoiseach aware that the same delay extends to the custom house in the clearance of ordinary goods and that the stock excuse of the Revenue Commissioners is that all conditions have not been fulfilled? The Taoiseach can take it from me that, no matter how one fulfils the conditions, there is a scandalous delay in the custom house from a month to six weeks, and this should not be the case.
That is a separate question.
Questions Nos. 29 and 30 are for written reply.