The next report relates to the conditions under which a person may be permitted to make a customs declaration. The Committee were inclined to agree with the recommendations and regulations of the Commission.
Customs Declarations.
This is a legalistic type of matter that could almost as well have gone to the Sub-Committee of which I was lately chairman as to your Sub-Committee. Speaking as that kind of animal, I am sure it is a right judgment to seek to opt for what will hopefully be a reduction in the administrative costs of getting goods from abroad. I am sure that the Community interests and the national interests will be well looked after by the Revenue Commissioners.
We believe that the regulations will involve a change in our existing legislation. The Institute of Freight Forwarders of Ireland see customs clearance as a technical job and one which should be done professionally. We feel that the EEC will think of a recommendation that will suit us. Italy was recently brought before the European Court of Justice for failure to fulfil Treaty obligations in relation to these matters. This case may affect progress. Italy was held to be transgressing EEC law in relation to one aspect of the matter and was cleared in relation to another aspect. Ireland could have no valid objection to the adoption of the proposed regulation. We feel that customs procedure should be as uncomplicated as protection of the Revenue permits.
Paragraph 1 agreed to.
PARAGRAPH 2.
I move:
To add after the first sentence in Paragraph 2 the following:
" The Joint Committee is indebted to Senator Mulcahy and his Sub-Committee for their work "
Amendment agreed to.
Paragraph, as amended, agreed to.
Paragraphs 3 to 15, inclusive, agreed to.
Draft Report, as amended, agreed to.
Ordered: To report accordingly.
I should like to thank the members of the Sub-Committee who worked with us on these reports and I should like to thank the officers who reported the proceedings.