Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Apr 1991

Vol. 407 No. 2

Written Answers. - Customs Charges.

Enda Kenny

Question:

56 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he will indicate whether it is possible to pay customs charges upon detection by cash without subsequent confiscation of goods; if so, if he will outline the amount paid to the Revenue Commissioners by such method in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Finance (Mr. A. Reynolds)

It is presumed that what the Deputy has in mind is the treatment of goods seized by customs on the grounds that they were imported irregularly.

The question of payment of import charges does not arise where uncustomed goods are seized. However, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the bulk of all seized goods are released on payment of a compromise sum in lieu of proceedings. In fixing the level of that sum in any particular case, account is taken of several factors, one of which is the amount of import charges which would have been payable had the goods been properly declared at importation. In certain cases, the compromise sum may be paid upon detection to secure immediate release of the seized goods or it may be paid some time after the seizure, either because the person concerned did not pay the amount on the spot or because the case was referred to the Revenue Commissioners for decision. Payment of a compromise sum may also arise where goods are retained as a seizure or where their release is conditional on subsequent exportation.

The total amounts of compromise sums in respect of the years in question are as follows: 1986, £1.03 million; 1987, £1.26 million; 1988, £2.04 million; 1989, £2.09 million and 1990 £2.40 million (provisional).