Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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122. To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which goods imported from China are subject to higher than average import tariffs, resulting in a doubling of the cost, if any improvements will take place in regard to such issues in the short to medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7174/16]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the decision on duties to be imposed on certain goods imported from China is determined by Member States at EU level.  The rates of duty generally are set out by the EU in the Common Customs Tariff.  While Ireland as one of 28 EU members has a participative role in the process for determining the rates we are not in a position to unilaterally set the rates.  The economic conditions which determine the rates will change from time to time and are reviewed by Member States on an ongoing basis.

Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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123. To ask the Minister for Finance if the measures on marine taxation will take effect; when the seafarer's allowance will come into effect, given the commitment in his budget speech on marine taxation and the publication of the Indecon report on taxation as part of his Budget Statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7206/16]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Following the publication of the Marine Tax Review on Budget day, my Department is examining all of the proposals made in the report, in conjunction with officials from other relevant departments.

As noted in the report by Indecon, there are significant state aid obstacles that would need to be considered, and indeed overcome, in relation to some of the proposals before they could be considered for implementation. In this regard, there are particular issues pertaining to the potential extension of the current seafarer's allowance to fishermen.

Notwithstanding the above, officials are continuing to examine and analyse the proposals with a view towards having options available for consideration in the context of the next Budget and Finance Bill.