asked the Minister for Finance why the same customs clearance facilities are not afforded to manufacturers of ready-mix concrete on this side of the Border as are afforded to manufacturers in the Six Counties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Customs Clearance Facilities.
2.
To convenience traders and in the interest of administrative efficiency goods such as ready-mix concrete imported in bulk for delivery to persons living near the Border who are registered here for VAT, are by long standing practice, given customs clearance at the Border post. The administrative practices adopted by the UK authorities are, as the Deputy will appreciate, outside our control. Where any discrepancy in administrative practices arises consideration is given to bringing them into harmony where such a course is feasible.
Did they do anything to bring it into harmony? Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree it is important that equal facilities are afforded to our manufacturers? What measures have been taken in the Department?
As the Deputy is aware, the Commissioners considered that the withdrawal of the concession would give rise to complaints by creating inconvenience and hardship to persons who reside near the Border but at a distance from the customs station for whom this facility was introduced in the first instance. The Commissioners feel that if they withdrew the concession there would be accusations of hampering trade——
That was not my question. I am asking that equal facilities be provided. At present the manufacturers of ready-mix concrete get a clearance even at passenger posts in north Monaghan. The same facilities are not afforded to the manufacturers of ready mix who are distributing in south Fermanagh. All they are asking for is equal facilities.
This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners and I will bring the Deputy's comments to their notice.
According to the recent report, the Revenue Commissioners waived certain regulations which allowed the manufacturers of ready mix concrete clearance at the customs posts rather than at their frontier stations.
That is right.
I realise that negotiations will have to take place with the British authorities. Taking into account the serious position that manufacturers of ready mix concrete are facing, as witnessed in a report in last week's paper where they are talking about possible redundancies——
Order. Relevant and brief questions, please.
Would the Revenue Commissioners contact the British authorities without delay and have equal facilities provided?
I will look into this point and communicate with the Deputy.