asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of this country's increasing dependence on tourism from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, he will consider the introduction of duty-free facilities for visitors from such places.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tourist Facilities.
4.
Liberal duty-free allowances apply to goods in the personal luggage of travellers between EEC member states, including, of course, Ireland and Britain. The allowances are set out in notices published by the Revenue authorities—copies of which are in the Dáil Library—and they have the effect of freeing certain non-commercial imports from the incidence of double-taxation.
What the Deputy appears to envisage is the introduction of facilities for the purchase by travellers between this country, Britain and Northern Ireland of duty-free supplies of goods such as tobacco, alcoholic beverages, perfumes and toilet waters.
I do not favour such a move for several reasons. First of all, a significant revenue loss would be involved. Next, I do not think that the change involved would effect any significant increase in tourist numbers. As well, it would call for additional customs staff and for more stringent control of passengers' baggage to minimise abuse. Finally, a development of this nature would run counter to EEC thinking which is orientated towards ultimately having access to duty-free facilities closed off to intra-Community travellers while continuing to be available to travellers to destinations outside the Community.
Is the Minister aware that several complaints have been made and people have decided not to spend their holidays here owing to the incidence of high prices, particularly of intoxicating liquor, which if they go in the other direction they can get cheaper?
I am not so aware. If the Deputy has any information in the matter we would be very pleased to hear it. The prices of several brands of intoxicating liquor are, in fact, cheaper in Ireland than they are in England.
Could I suggest to the Minister that he would consult with his colleague, the Minister for Transport and Power, because Bord Fáilte are aware of this situation and have said so?
I feel certain if this was significant it would long since have been brought to the notice of the Minister for Finance.
I think the Minister is losing revenue.