Mr. Gerry Harrahill:

In terms of where we are, it is important to note that we are probably a step back from that and the issue is now where are trade and business at. That is why we are having a really intensive engagement with trade and business to get them to think about this. Many trade and business companies trade only with the UK and will never have had to complete customs formalities. This relates even to the understanding of what customs is about and what it means for import and export, for example, if goods originated in the UK or China. There is a range of actions that must be taken by the importer or the person running the business for which they have the responsibility.

We have been giving a consistent message to businesses for several months on the importance of doing this assessment and being very clear as to who has the information in order to be able to make this declaration. The businesses must be clear on the consequences if the information is not provided or is inaccurate. I have stated at seminars that not following the procedure will give rise to delays and cost money, and that will have an impact on the viability of a business. It is really in the interests of business to get this assessment done.

The second element, to which the Senator is referring, is our ability to process that information. We are satisfied we have the information technology infrastructure in place to cope with that and the potential for an increase in the number of declarations to 20 million overall. With regard to infrastructure, there is a whole-of-Government approach in trying to ensure that is in place, particularly in Dublin Port and at Rosslare.

The third element is the availability of our people on the ground at ports and airports and being available to support business in getting this right. We start from the premise that almost everybody wants to do this right and in a way that is as efficient as possible. We are there to help, support and guide business to get that through. One of the issues giving rise to delays is the matter of rules of origin, which I mentioned. It is the second most common reason we end up stopping products. Much of the time it is not because people are bringing in products from places they should not be but rather that the declaration is incomplete or invalid. We are investing heavily to try to front-load this. If we can get this right for trade and business - we see it very much as a partnership approach - it will make it easier for us and it would certainly make life much easier for business.