Written answers
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
Department of Foreign Affairs
Overseas Development Aid
9:00 pm
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 489: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that the 40 foot container (details supplied) in the docks at Cape Town is released as soon as possible to the local community. [11236/08]
Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have been aware of difficulties surrounding a container of sporting goods which is being donated to the organisation 'Strips for Africa' in South Africa and, as a result, I instructed our Embassy in South Africa to pursue the matter with the relevant authorities there.
The Embassy has made strenuous efforts to resolve the situation, including through a meeting with the Controller of Customs in Cape Town. The Controller outlined the concerns of the South African Government regarding what they saw as the potential flooding of the market with donated second hand clothes from developed countries and thereby, he argued, possibly undercutting local production and employment. For these reasons, he said that charitable donations of clothing into South Africa are not free from import regulations.
The Customs Controller also emphasised that a once off concession, as provided for under the regulations, had already been made in respect of the beneficiary. At that time it was made clear that further exceptions would not be made. I very much value the work of groups in Ireland which send containers to the developing world for charitable purposes. However, I would ask them to check out local customs regulations in advance in order to avoid any disappointment or delay impacting on their generous efforts to support those in need.
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