asked the Minister for Finance whether he has taken any steps to have duty-free facilities made available to sea and air passengers on transport routes between Britain and Ireland; and, if so, why such facilities are not available in view of their undoubted advantage to the promotion of tourist traffic from Britain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Duty Concessions to Travellers.
35.
Mr. O'Donnell
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is "No".
As regards the second part, I have carefully examined the matter and I consider that the existence of duty-free facilities on cross-Channel routes similar, say, to those in operation on continental routes would have but slight effect on tourist traffic between Britain and this country. In addition, a significant loss of revenue would be involved and the operation of the facilities would probably give rise to major practical problems.
Mr. O'Donnell
Is the Minister aware that for the past two years this facility has been requested by Members of this House and by people engaged in the tourist industry here? There is no doubt that it would give a tremendous boost to our tourist traffic——
There is a big doubt about that.
Mr. O'Donnell
The Minister stated in his reply that the answer to the first part of my question is in the negative. Does this mean that he has not taken any steps in this matter?
Yes, I said I had not taken any steps.
Mr. O'Donnell
How does the Minister reconcile his statement with the statement of the Minister for Transport and Power some months ago when he said the matter was being investigated?
It was investigated.
Mr. O'Donnell
What were the results of this investigation?
It was decided against, and that is why I have taken no steps.
Is there a report on this matter?
I do not think there is; I think it is an internal interdepartmental one.
36.
Mr. O'Donnell
asked the Minister for Finance whether he has examined the possibility of granting special concessions to tourists on such commodities as drink and petrol; and, if so, if he will state his findings.
I have examined the matter raised by the Deputy but I am not prepared to introduce special concessions for tourists on the lines suggested by him.
Mr. O'Donnell
Can the Minister state his reasons for this decision?
I outlined the reasons in a previous reply to Deputy Belton.
Mr. O'Donnell
This is a different question.
I am aware of that but the considerations are similar.