Sir, - The era of duty-free shopping within the EU is now virtually over for us, and VAT and excise duties on those goods will soon return to already bulging State coffers. Is it now time for the Government to consider compensating travellers somewhat for the loss of duty-free by the removal of travel tax? - a tax which surely contradicts the spirit of "free movement" within the EU. - Yours, etc., Colette Byrne,
Culmore Road, Palmerstown, Dublin 20.