Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Sep 1995

Vol. 455 No. 8

Written Answers. - Customs AEP System.

Seamus Brennan

Ceist:

50 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Finance the further action, if any, he proposes to take regarding access to the Customs AEP System; and if he will make a statement on whether the current situation breaches competition policy within EU legislation. [13079/95]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Quinn)

Access by traders to the Customs AEP System is via the INET network.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they have given full consideration to this matter and are of the view that it is neither in the interest of Revenue nor of the majority of traders to allow access through a number of networks. It was decided at the outset that the present network operator should be given a reasonable period within which it might recoup its considerable investment in the system. The position will then be reviewed and the question of initiating a further tendering process considered. The successful operator would then be required to enter into a service contract with Revenue for a period of years.

The Department of Transport, Energy & Communications has advised the Revenue Commissioners that the existing arrangement does not breach the provisions of the relevant EU Directive.