asked the Minister for Finance if inquiries have now been completed by Customs and Excise personnel into the case of a car imported illegally into this country and sold to a person (details supplied) in Dublin; the reason for the long delay in this case since representations were first made over a year ago and subsequent undertakings given to have the matter cleared up; whether every consideration will be given to the plight of this person in view of the obvious financial loss and hardship which this incident has caused; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Illegal Import of Car.
363.
Inquiries in the case in question have now been completed.
I brought the matter to the notice of the Revenue Commissioners in June 1980 on receipt of the Deputy's representations. It had not been brought to their attention up to that time. The circumstances of the case are quite complex and the delay since June in completing the inquiries is not regarded as unreasonable.
As the vehicle appears to have been imported into the State illegally it is liable to forfeiture and it may not be retained in the State unless an import authorisation is obtained from the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Registration of Importers) Act, 1968.
If an import authorisation is obtained, the commissioners are prepared to agree to the retention of the car in the State on payment of the appropriate import charges.
Alternatively, in the circumstances of the case, the commissioners are prepared to allow exportation of the vehicle without payment of any penalty.