Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I move amendment No. 1:

In page 37, line 26, to delete “Commissioners” and substitute “Minister”.

The Customs Bill 2014 was published on 3 October 2014. The purpose of the Bill is to consolidate, revise and modernise Ireland's existing national customs legislation, some of which dates back to the Customs Consolidation Act 1876. The Bill can thus be seen as another significant milestone in Revenue's comprehensive programme to consolidate and modernise our tax and duty legislation. The principal domestic legislation under which Irish customs currently operate is the 1876 Act, which has been extensively adapted over the years to take account of various events and developments, such as the foundation of the State in 1922, Ireland's accession to the EEC in 1973 and the introduction of the Single Market in 1993. As a consequence, many of the provisions of the 1876 Act are now of doubtful validity.

Under Standing Order No. 140, I would be obliged if the Ceann Comhairle directed the Clerk to the Dáil to make the following minor drafting corrections to the text of the Bill: on page 36, line 24, to delete "using" and substitute "by"; and on page 13, line 16, to delete "requirements" and substitute "requirement". These corrections are being made in the interest of clarity and have no substantive effect.

I am only bringing one amendment on Report Stage, to section 41 of the Bill, which provides for the application by the State of certain EU instruments on co-operation between member states in combatting customs offences. Section 41(9) is being amended to address an incorrect cross-reference which is a consequence of an amendment to subsection (8) agreed on Committee Stage.