Batt O'Keeffe
Ceist:59 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if the Government intends to seek a derogation following the abolition of duty free trading in Irish airports and ports. [2469/97]
Written Answers. - Duty Free Trading.
The provisions of EU Directive 91/680/EEC, agreed as part of the tax measures establishing the EU single market, authorise the continuation, until 30 June 1999, of duty free shopping facilities for intra-Community travellers. These are firm decisions and the question of a derogation does not now arise.
There are no plans to terminate duty free or tax free sales for travellers to non-EU destinations in 1999. That portion of the duty free business will remain and for certain airports, particularly Shannon Airport, is a very important source of revenue. Other State airports also handle traffic to and from non-EU locations.