Peter Barry
Question:60 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Finance the number of derogations from implementing EC laws Ireland has sought and received during each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Derogations from EC Laws.
It is assumed that the Deputy is seeking information on specific European Community measures, the implementation of which has been postponed in Ireland beyond the general commencement dates set down by EC agreement. The position in regard to my area of responsibility is as follows:
Council Directive 88/361/EEC for the implementation of Article 67 of the Treaty — liberalisation of capital movements (24 June 1988): Ireland sought and was given a derogation from implementating this Directive until the end of 1992. The terms of the Directive were given full effect on 1 January, 1993 when all exchange controls were removed.
Council Directive 91/191/EEC of 27 March, 1991 amending Directive 69/169/EEC on tax-paid allowances in intra-Community travel and as regards a derogation granted to the Kingdom of Denmark and to Ireland relating to the rules governing travellers' allowances on imports: the derogation permitted Ireland to set reduced limits on goods, including beer, which a traveller could bring into the country without payment of Irish tax; where a person was returning to the State after an absence of less than 24 hours, provision was made for further reduced limits. The derogation applied until 31 December, 1991. A further derogation (91/673/EEC of 19 December 1991) was obtained which continued these restrictions on a more liberalised basis. This further derogation applied until 31 December 1992.