asked the Minister for Finance whether the Government accept Recommendation No. 605 on the reduction of customs delays at international rail frontiers which was adopted by the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 19th September, 1970; and what measures they contemplate taking to substantially reduce such delays, and customs delays at airports and seaports; and, particularly, if it is intended to introduce a system whereby persons with nothing to declare may pass through customs without individual scrutiny and individual declarations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Customs Delays.
14.
While Recommendation No. 605 of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe has not yet been formally accepted the terms of the Recommendation would seem to present no difficulty so far as this country is concerned. I am not aware of any undue delays attributable to the customs in the case of goods imported or exported whether by rail, sea or air but customs clearance procedures are kept constantly under review to ensure that the time for clearing goods is kept to the minimum.
The question of introducing a dual-channel or self-selection system for the customs clearance of incoming passengers and their baggage is under active examination by the Revenue Commissioners. The Commissioners are represented on a working party set up by the Customs Co-operation Council in Brussels with a view to harmonising dual-channel customs clearance systems as between the various countries involved.
Having regard to the fact that practically every European country has already introduced a dual-channel system so as to avoid individual scrutiny and individual declaration, can the Minister say why we require further time and further consideration to do what everybody else was able to do with the greatest ease?
As I have pointed out, the Revenue Commissioners are, in fact, taking part in a working party in Brussels designed to ensure that the arrangements as between the different countries are harmonised. I think it is desirable that if we are to adopt some method we should as far as possible adopt a method which will be in conformity with that adopted by our European partners.
Can the Minister explain why it is that we are the only country which is not in harmony with the rest of Europe and the only one which has not brought in the dual-channel system.
I do not think we have had the same problems as the other countries.
We have, but we do nothing to solve them.