Vol. 405 No. 4
63 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the financial advantages to hauliers and exporters of haulage of goods through ports in Northern Ireland rather than ports in the Republic because of the less costly and more expeditious customs procedures at Border points with Northern Ireland; if he has any proposals to rectify these anomalies to the benefit of domestic ports; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in relation to the provision of customs services no costs accrue to traders other than charges in respect of attendance of officials outside normal hours which apply to both ports and land frontier stations. Differentials in costs between the use of ports in the State and stations on the land frontier may arise due to haulage rates and costs of sea voyages, matters which are outside the control of the Revenue Commissioners. Customs procedures at ports in the State and stations on the land frontier are identical in relation to documentation and examination of goods. The same clearance criteria apply in both areas. Delays can occur due to presentation of faulty documentation or failure of carriers to present goods promptly for examination. The Revenue Commissioners constantly review the time taken to process entries and effect clearance of consignments in order to minimise delays.
64 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Finance if he has any proposals to streamline customs procedures and documentation between ports and land frontiers; if he will outline the cost to the State of providing customs services on the Border with Northern Ireland and the costs in each of the following sea ports: (a) Dublin, (b) Cork, (c) Rosslare, (d) Dún Laoghaire and (e) Waterford; and if he will outline the annual cost of providing custom services at the following airports (1) Dublin, (2) Shannon and (3) Cork.
I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that identical customs procedures and documentation apply to all ports and stations on the land frontier. It is proposed to introduce a new system of technology viz. automated entry processing (AEP) at all import and export points, including the land frontier on 1 April 1991. AEP will permit importers and exporters to have their documentation processed and customs formalities completed in advance of presentation of the goods. This technology will further enhance customs clearance of goods. Statistics relating to the cost to the State of providing customs services on the land frontier and the named ports and airports cannot be supplied in the time available. Material is being compiled at present and will be forwarded at a later date.
