asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that a customs official seized, on the 8th October, 1946, at Dundalk, from Captain Timothy O'Donovan, R.A.M.C., of 121 White Street, Cork, who was proceeding to Ballykinlar Camp, Downpatrick, County Down, a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Watch, number 2061, initialled "T.D. 2.4.'45"; if he is aware that the watch in question was received by Captain O'Donovan as a wedding present over two years ago; if he will state what authority there was for the seizure of the watch in question; and if it will be immediately returned to the owner, with a suitable apology for its detention.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Customs Seizure (Dundalk).
Under the Emergency Powers (Control of Export) Order, 1940, as amended, the exportation of certain goods, including watches, is prohibited except under licence issued by the Minister for Industry and Commerce, and any such goods attempted to be exported without a licence are liable to forfeiture by virtue of the provisions of Section 5 of the Customs (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1945.
In the course of customs examination of a passenger train at Dundalk on the 8th October, 1946, a watch was seized from Captain Timothy O'Donovan, R.A.M.C., Waringfield Military Hospital, Moira, County Down, as he had not the necessary export licence.
As the Revenue Commissioners do not regard the attempt made by Captain O'Donovan to export the watch without a licence as being sufficiently serious to warrant forfeiture, they will allow the watch to be exported if a licence for its exportation is obtained from the Minister for Industry and Commerce and produced to them. If a licence is not obtained the Revenue Commissioners will allow the watch to be returned to Captain O'Donovan's wife who is at present resident in the State.
Does the Minister seriously ask the House to believe that a man wanted to export a wedding present which he carried with him? Why is it that two letters from Captain O'Donovan and his wife to the Revenue Commissioners in connection with this matter have remained unanswered?
If the Deputy gives me notice of that question I will find out.
I give notice that I shall raise the question on the adjournment.
Prior notice has been given.
The Deputy could raise the matter in the ordinary way first.