Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 5

Written Answers. - Importation of Vehicle.

Noel Dempsey

Question:

69 Mr. Dempsey asked the Minister for Finance if he will request the Revenue Commissioners to review their decision again in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Meath penalised for the importation of a vehicle recently, in view of the fact that he was instructed on the procedures prior to importation and followed these instructions.

Minister for Finance (Mr. B. Ahern)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the vehicle was seized when an attempt was made by the person in question to import it through the Green "Nothing to Declare" Channel at Dún Laoghaire without payment of the proper import charges due. In such a case the vehicle is liable to forfeiture and the importer liable to prosecution.

The Commissioners decided to refrain from proceedings and offered release of the vehicle on payment of an appropriate compromise sum. This offer was availed of.

Having reviewed the case the Commissioners see no reason to depart from the decision taken.

As the person concerned had, only a few months previously, imported and duty-paid a vehicle at Dun Laoghaire he would have been well aware of the correct procedures for clearing vehicles.

Those procedures include the requirement to declare vehicles at the time of importation. Prospective importers are informed of that requirement when they inquire at Customs and Excise offices.