asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that broken and damaged machine parts, etc., being sent to Britain for repairs or as patterns for replacement, are being detained at Irish ports for export licences and that this in many cases causes hardship to the exporters, retarding production and possibly causing unemployment; and, if so, if he will ensure that in future the minimum of delay is caused by the customs or other officials concerned and that the matter of export licences will be waived where it is obvious that the items being exported are merely being sent for repairs or replacement.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Customs Delays.
The answer is in the negative.
Licences are not required in the case of machinery or parts being exported for repair and return to this country. In cases where the export is being effected with a view to replacement, licences are required but I am satisfied that, where the regulations are complied with, there is no delay in clearance at the ports.
Is the Minister aware that quite recently machinery parts which were sent to Great Britain for repair were held up at the customs for quite a considerable time and that grave inconvenience was caused to the firm in question? If I communicate the facts to the Minister in relation to that particular firm will he be prepared to investigate the delay?
I received no such complaint. As I have stated licences are not required in the case of machinery or parts being exported for repair and returned to this country.
Could they be stopped for any other purpose?
I could not answer that.