asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the shortage of matches and the possibility of importing them, he is prepared to remove the present import duty on them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import Duty on Matches.
The answer is in the negative.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that representations have been made to the Department for licences to import matches? I should also like to ask if he is aware that there is a shortage of matches?
The Deputy has asked for the remission of the customs duty on matches. An excise duty is chargeable on matches produced in this country and surely the Deputy would not contend that it would be fair to remove the customs duty and allow the excise duty to remain?
Is the customs duty protective? Is it not higher than the excise duty?
No, it is not.
Of course it is.