asked the Minister for Finance, in relation to certain proceedings instituted by a person (details supplied) in County Dublin by way of petition to the EC on 27 April 1987 relating to the ban on importation of goods by persons who have not spent more than 48 hours outside the State, which petition was declared admissible on 25 June 1987 and arising out of which infringement proceedings have commenced against the State, the stage the proceedings have reached; and when a public hearing is likely.
Written Answers. - Petition to the EC.
54.
The Commission of the European Communities applied to the Court of Justice of the European Communities on 1 June 1988 for a declaration to the effect that Ireland, by limiting the exemptions from VAT and excise duty on imports in international travel below the amounts stipulated in Articles 1, 2 and 4 of Council Directive 69/169/EEC as amended, has failed to fulfil its obligations under the EC Treaty. The Irish defence to the Commission's application was filed with the Court on 7 September 1988. The Commission's reply to the Irish defence was lodged on 15 December 1988 and the terms of a response to this are at present under consideration. As far as I am aware, no date has been set for a hearing.