asked the Minister for Finance if he refused a request from the Federation of Irish Societies for a meeting in Dublin regarding duty free facilities on sea and air routes between Britain and Ireland; and if he will now accede to their request.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Duty Free Facilities.
26.
On 17th October I received a request for a meeting from the Secretary of the Committee set up by the Federation of Irish Societies to deal with duty-free facilities for people travelling between Britain and Ireland.
On 20th October I replied explaining that due to a heavy schedule of commitments I could not meet representatives of the federation in the near future. I am aware of the views of the federation on this issue and, as I indicated in my reply to them, I will bear their views in mind in considering this question.
I might add that the federation have been assured that I would be glad to consider any further written representations which they might wish to make in the matter. To date I have received no further submission.
Would the Minister agree that these people are Irish citizens and they are exiles of necessity or by choice? Would he not agree that they would have been people in a position to give him useful information in regard to the granting of duty-free facilities between Britain and this country and does he not think their views would be worth hearing?
As I have indicated, I am aware of their views and I invited them, if they wanted to supplement them or give information of the kind suggested by the Deputy, to do so. To date, I have not received any submission from them.
Could the Minister say why he would not be willing to receive them instead of getting written representations? Is he aware they regard his action as putting them in the category of second-class citizens just because they are no longer resident here?
That is a separate question.
May I answer, Sir? If they have formed that view it is a mistaken one. They would be wrong in fact since I do not regard them as second-class citizens and, in so far as they would thereby imply I would be prepared to meet anybody who asked me who lives in this country, they would also be wrong. I am prepared to meet as many as possible, but there are physical difficulties involved, and they are treated no differently from anybody else.
Would the Minister not agree to meet them at this late stage?
I do not think it is necessary, as I have already indicated.
Question No. 27.
May I ask the Minister——
I have called the next question. We have had four supplementaries and we must have some order and make some progress.