asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware of the difficulty created for traders by his direction that only limited amounts of spirits be released from bond prior to the budget and, in particular, of the loss that accrues to Irish distillers by virtue of the fact that retailers can get unlimited supplies of imported spirits which are already out of bond in the hands of importers and wholesalers but cannot get sufficient Irish-made spirits.
Written Answers. - Liquor Supplies.
25.
The order I made directed the Revenue Commissioners to restrict deliveries for home use of spirits to the quantities which appeared to them to be reasonable having regard to the circumstances. This was a precautionary measure and in accordance with well established practice in the period running up to a budget.
I am aware that the order may in certain cases create some difficulties for traders insomuch as they in turn may be obliged to restrict their customers to quantities normal for this season of the year, but I am satisfied that in their application of my direction the Revenue Commissioners are prepared to consider the position of any manufacturer or trader in whose case special treatment appears to be warranted.
The Revenue Commissioners are not discriminating in any way as between Irish-made and imported spirits. The order came into force on 6th December, 1976, and prior to that date there was no limit on clearances from bond either of Irish-made or imported spirits.