Vol. 421 No. 4
87 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Finance if he will give details of the arrangements in place to assist customs clearance agents and their employees to take early retirement or re-locate in new employment when the Single Market comes into effect.
94 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the adverse effects which the removal of fiscal frontiers, from 1 January 1993, will have on the livelihoods of customs clearance agents and their employees; if he will outline the steps, if any, he intends taking to protect their livelihoods; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 94 together.
The Government while fully recognising the overall benefits of the Single Market for Irish firms, has been conscious of the associated threats which the market poses, amongst which is the loss of employment in areas associated with the preparation of customs documentation for intra-Community trade.
While there are no specific arrangements in place to compensate customs clearance agents directly for loss of earnings resulting from the internal market, there is a broad range of training schemes operated by FÁS, as well as advice and grant support schemes from the industrial promotion agencies, which is available to individuals and firms wishing to diversify into other areas of business.
With regard to EC Commission proposals in this area, I would refer the Deputies to my reply on 3 June 1992 to questions on the matter in the Official Report Vol. 42 No. 6 cols. 1289-90.
