Bernard Allen
Question:96 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Finance when he will announce the final redundancy numbers of Customs and Excise staff.
Written Answers. - Customs and Excise Staffing.
I take it that the Deputy is referring to the staffing implications for the Customs and Excise service of the completion of the EC Single Market.
Decisions in many important areas still remain to be taken at EC level before the shape of the post-1992 arrangements can be finalised. While it is intended that frontier controls will be discontinued for intra-EC trade, these will have to be replaced by effective new arrangements so as to protect revenue receipts, which will require involvement of revenue personnel. Frontier controls vis-à-vis third countries will be maintained and may indeed need to be strengthened. The precise implications for Customs and Excise staffing and the extent of the redundancies, if any, that may ensue, cannot be determined until EC discussions are more advanced.
In the meantime. I understand from the Revenue Commissioners that the position is being kept under close review and that staff interests are being kept informed of developments. The commissioners have assured staff that up to the end of 1992 there will be no contraction of functions or staff resources specifically arising out of the completion of the Single Market.