asked the Minister for Finance, in reference to the document circulated by his Department detailing the matters covered in Vote 9, subhead B of the Estimates for 1962-63, and in view of the Taoiseach's recent statements as to the likely disappearance of the Border, especially the economic Border, under EEC conditions, he will state the reasons why he considers it desirable to expend £15,250 in the coming year, and an estimated total of £42,000 on the provision of customs facilities on the Border.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Border Customs Facilities.
10.
The expenditure to which the Deputy refers will provide the minimum customs facilities which are at present necessary for tourist and commercial traffic at certain points along the Border. There have already been complaints of serious congestion and the volume of traffic is constantly increasing. The Deputy will appreciate that even after the accession of the State to E.E.C. customs control in its present form would have to be maintained in full during a transitional period, which might last for several years. As far as possible, however, any buildings which are now being erected will be so constructed that they can be easily removed or converted to other uses.