Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 February 2021
51. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of containers and heavy goods vehicles, HGVs, arriving into Ireland from the United Kingdom in February 2021 that had their paperwork in order and were allowed through the green channel; the percentage that went through the orange channel and the red channel; the percentage that were physically inspected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10838/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that since 1 January 2021, the UK has been outside the EU Single Market and Customs Union, and the trading relationship between Ireland and Great Britain has changed considerably. Compliance with relevant customs and other regulatory controls such as sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures are now an integral part of trade with Great Britain. I am advised by Revenue that in practical terms this means that there will never be a scenario where all goods (i.e.100%) arriving into Ireland from Great Britain will be green routed. There will always be a level of documentary or physical examination of goods movements required as part of Ireland’s obligation to protect the integrity of Single Market and the Customs Union.
The table below sets out the routing of movements from the Great Britain into Dublin Port and Rosslare Europort for February 2021 up to Tues 23rd.
|
Routing of Movements |
Dublin Port Number |
Dublin Port % |
Rosslare Number |
Rosslare % |
|
Green (free to leave the port) |
17,040 |
82% |
1,484 |
82% |
|
Orange (documentary checks) |
2,869 |
14% |
270 |
15% |
|
Red (physical inspections) |
917 |
4% |
63 |
3% |
I am advised by Revenue that it continues to work collaboratively with individual businesses and relevant trade and representative bodies to assist and support those businesses, where possible, in addressing challenges and difficulties arising from the operation of and compliance with the aforementioned customs and other regulatory requirements. Revenue has a 24/7 presence at Dublin and Rosslare ports and help is also available via the Customs 24/7 telephone helpline (01 738 3685) and via email helpline channels.
