Enda Kenny
Ceist:55 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Finance if he will make a statement on the proposed abolition of duty free facilities in 1992; and if he will outline the consequences of such proposals.
Written Answers. - Duty-Free Facilities Abolition.
Originally, the EC Commission proposed that duty-free shopping facilities for intra-Community travellers be terminated from end-1992 on the grounds that their continued operation was incompatible with the completed Single Market when customs checks relating to taxation will be abolished. However, at yesterday's ECOFIN Council meeting in Brussels, it was agreed that member states would have the option of retaining such facilities until 1 July 1999. It is considered that the extension period agreed represents a reasonable compromise between all the interests involved and gives adequate time for the retailing outlets to make the necessary adjustments. The Commission have promised to bring forward shortly guidelines for Community control arrangements to ensure effective policing of duty-free outlets after customs checks have been withdrawn.