Written answers

Tuesday, 17 February 2004

10:00 pm

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 245: To ask the Minister for Finance if the Revenue Commissioners are conducting an investigation with the EU Agency, OLAF, into the loss of customs revenue arising from the possible misappropriation of GATT licences to connected companies under EU regulations, relating to the importation of meat; when the matter first came to the attention of his Department; when he expects that such an investigation will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5000/04]

Charlie McCreevy (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that an investigation is currently being conducted into the circumstances surrounding the application, issue and use of GATT licences under Commission Regulation (EC) No. 954/2002 by 16 Irish companies who had used these licences to import beef from South America into Netherlands and Italy at a reduced rate of import duty. In all, 29 Irish companies had been approved to avail of quota under this Regulation during the period from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2003.

This investigation was initiated following a request received from the European Commission's anti-fraud agency, OLAF, at a meeting on 4 February 2003 when certain matters were brought to the attention of the Commissioners. While it is too early to say when the investigation is likely to be concluded, I am informed that it is currently being actively pursued and will be brought to conclusion at the earliest possible date.

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