Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 October 2018
49. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that there is sufficient staff at Irish ports and airports to monitor single parcel consignments entering the country, particularly from non-EU countries; if he has quantified the effect of illegal imports on the market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41593/18]
View answerI am advised by Revenue that importations of single parcel consignments from non-EU countries through Irish ports and airports are generally carried out either by express couriers or through the postal system. In the case of express couriers, they make import declarations and pay duty and VAT, where payable, to Revenue. In respect of imports via the postal system, the parcels are presented by An Post to Revenue at the postal depots who then assess the parcels for duty and VAT. An Post pay the amounts assessed to Revenue and recoup this amount from the importer at the time of delivery of the parcels.
While it is not possible to quantify the overall effect of illegal imports on the market, Revenue carries out risk analysis on importations to identify and monitor the movement of imports using EU standard risk criteria.
I am advised by Revenue that it regularly reviews how resources are allocated to various functions having regard to risk and that it considers that it currently has adequate resources to monitor single parcel consignments entering the country. I am assured by Revenue that it will continue to monitor parcel traffic and will respond appropriately to any change in compliance risks identified.
