asked the Minister for Finance if he is aware that 4s 2d was demanded by the Revenue Commission (details supplied) as duty payable on a small consignment of Christmas cards purchased by an Irish national from an internationally recognised charitable organisation; what calculation was made in arriving at this amount; and if the activities of an international charitable organisation can be excluded from such duty.
Ceisteanna—Questions, Oral Answers. - Duty on Christmas Cards.
36.
Christmas cards of United Kingdom origin are chargeable with Customs duty at the rate of 12 per cent of their value. The duty of 4s 2d was correctly charged in the case referred to by the Deputy.
It transpires, however, that the importer could have obtained a licence from the Department of Industry and Commerce to import these cards without payment of duty and, accordingly, arrangements are being made to refund the amount involved, 4s 2d.
Thank you.
Is that what the Deputy is operating on? He should have brought them over himself.
With the other stuff.
What did the Minister say?
(Cavan): Is that advice similar to the advice given by the Minister for Justice to his constituent?
Deputy Harte could have brought them over with the other stuff.
What other stuff.
The Deputy knows well.
He goes in and out every day.
If the Minister likes I will name the Deputy who smuggled. He belongs to the Fianna Fáil Party.
That does not arise.
I know it does not.
We are discussing Christmas cards.
We are discussing Christmas cards and a charge of 4s 2d on Christmas cards purchased from Oxfam. It is despicable that the Department of Finance——
Has the Deputy a question?
I am asking in the general interest would the Minister ensure that in future no charge will be put on Christmas cards purchased from charitable organisations such as Oxfam?
Question No. 37.
(Cavan): It is no wonder the Tánaiste is disgusted with his colleagues.
I am not disgusted. I think this business about 4s 2d is ridiculous. I agree with the Minister for Finance.
De minimis——
(Interruptions.)
I will deal with a real figure now.