asked the Minister for Finance if he intends to provide duty-free facilities on all air and sea routes between this country and the UK; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

30.

asked the Minister for Finance if it is intended to introduce duty-free shopping facilities for passengers travelling between Britain and Ireland; and, if so, when.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together.

This matter is under consideration.

Arising from the Minister's rather short reply, would he not agree this is the normal practice between the capitals of sovereign states as an aid to tourism? Further, and more appropriate to his reply, would he not agree that as this matter was under consideration in his Department by his predecessor and as it is not a major matter he should be in a position to reply in the very near future?

I can assure the Deputy that all relevant factors are being taken into account in the consideration given to this matter. With regard to the consideration given by my predecessor to this matter, it would be true to say that not alone did he consider it but he also made a decision.