Vol. 410 No. 2
63 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons in the State are unable to avail of certain courses such as engineering and chemistry in the Open University because home experiment kits are refused entry by Customs and Excise; and if he will have this ban reviewed to enable those who cannot afford third level education to pursue qualifications through the Open University.
It is assumed that the Deputy has a specific case or cases in mind when he refers to home experiment kits being refused entry by Customs and Excise. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are unable from the information supplied to trace any record of any such cases and that on receipt of more detailed particulars the matter will be investigated further by them.
Customs and Excise operate a large number of prohibitions and restrictions on imports at present on behalf of other Government Departments such as those relating to the safeguarding of public health and the importation of dangerous substances. In these cases the goods affected may not be imported except under licence and any application for such a licence or for review of a particular prohibition is a matter for the appropriate Minister.
