asked the Minister for Finance the actual loss of revenue on the sale of duty free and tax free goods at airports and seaports and on planes and vessels in respect of passenger traffic between Ireland and Britain since the introduction of duty/tax free facilities; and the estimates of such losses before the facilities were provided.
Written Answers. - Duty and Tax Free Sales.
252.
I assume the Deputy has in mind duty and tax free sale of goods that displaced purchases which would otherwise have borne duty and tax in the State.
It is estimated that, up to 31 December 1980 the loss of revenue since the facilities were introduced in March 1978 is of the order of £32 million.
It was estimated prior to the introduction of the facility that the annual loss of revenue would be £6.6 million, based on the lower rates of duty then in force.
I should also say that there has been a substantial increase in passenger movements since 1978.