asked the Minister for Finance the present rate of duty on the import or (a) textiles, (b) footwear, and (c) household utensils from EEC countries and Third world countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Import Duties.
23.
As the reply is lengthy and includes a tabular statement I propose with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle to circulate a copy with the Official Report.
Following is the reply:
Common customs tariff duties are not chargeable on the importation into Ireland of goods which originate in or are otherwise in free circulation in any member state of the EEC.
Ireland, as a member of the European Communities, is a party to a number of preferential trading agreements and other arrangements which the EEC has entered into with certain third countries, under which certain goods imported from those countries may be admitted at nil or other rates of customs duty less than those shown in the common customs tariff of the EEC.
The "preference" countries fall broadly into four groups—
The EFTA countries (Austria, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland).
The "Mediterranean" group of countries.
The ACP/OCT countries, comprising mainly the bulk of the African countries.
The GSP countries, a world-wide group of developing countries and other territories.
The ACP, OCT and GSP countries largely comprise the Third World countries.
Goods of the kind mentioned could attract preferential customs treatment, depending on the precise description of goods and the particular third country of origin concerned. Footwear and household utensils would be likely to attract nil rates of customs duty except where imported from Spain. Textiles generally would be likely to attract nil rates except where imported from Spain or Portugal. The full rates of duty applicable to third countries outside of the preferential rates are set out in the Schedule of Duties to the Customs and Excise Tariff of Ireland. Two copies of the current edition of this tariff as amended are available for examination in the Dáil Library. The preferential rates applicable are also detailed in the various annexes in this tariff.
The CCT rates of duty on the goods in question are set out in the following table:
|
Customs duty |
|
|
(a) Textiles (and Textile Articles) |
From a free rate to a rate of 24 per cent ad valorem with a maximum of 4 EUA per m2 |
|
(b) Footwear |
7 per cent to 20 percent |
|
(c) Household utensils |
5 per cent to 18.4 per cent. |
In addition to the aforementioned customs duties anti-dumping duties apply to certain goods in the categories mentioned. Men's working boots are liable to an anti-dumping duty of 28 per cent ad valorem if wholly or partly made in or consigned from Czechoslovakia. Blouses, blouse shirts, shirts and similar articles wholly or mainly of synthetic textile fibres which are wholly or substantially produced in the Republic of South Korea are liable to an anti-dumping duty of 40 per cent ad valorem.
Apart from chargeability to customs duties, footwear originating in Czechoslovakia and Taiwan, and textiles from a variety of low-cost, state-trading and other third countries are subject, on importation, to licensing by the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy.
I am only asking the Minister to give me the central part of his reply. I just want three or four figures.
We are trying to get away from the habit which is growing of asking questions on tabular statements.
The number of figures required is not very large. There is no use in putting down questions for oral answer if the Minister is not prepared to reply and say what the rates of duty are.
I have already explained that the reply is very lengthy and includes a tabular statement. If the Deputy having got the reply is not satisfied and wants further information, obviously he can deal with the matter at that stage.
(Interruptions.)