Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I want to ask the Minister a number of questions and I ask for the replies in writing. Last week, I raised the issue of the importation of cars and other goods, and the major delays at ports which are shocking. Duty and VRT has to be paid.

Another issue has now arisen, namely, the three-year-old goods relief being allowed by Revenue for cars re-entering the EU from 31 December 2020 back to 1 January 2018. There was no problem for the first two years of the scheme, but Revenue is now demanding a copy of an importation licence from when the car was first imported into the EU. It is not possible to get such shipping documentation. That needs to be sorted out. The Minister also needs to deal with the issue of stamp duty, which is holding up lorries at the border for a long time.

The Minister might pass on thanks to officials in Tipperary County Council who have been very helpful with the schemes operating for businesses. As other Deputies said, many fall outside those schemes, including those aged over 66 years, musicians and entertainers. Trudi Lawlor and Billy Morrissey, along with other musicians, have come together to start a wonderful initiative. Musicians and entertainers ring fans to talk to them. They are looking for support because it has taken off beyond all belief. It is a great initiative. Something like that falls between the cracks of the Department of the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The initiative needs to be developed and enhanced.

Will restart grants be available again? The money has run out and it is due to start again. People need continuity and services.

Something must be done about insurance and the banks, which are not functioning properly. They are not allowing people to do what they should do. We saw the bravery of the four individuals who took the case against FBD. They should not have had to do that. Dealing with such matters is the job of the Government.

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