asked the Minister for External Affairs whether the German Trade Agreement for 1937 contains any provision for exports of matje herring to Germany from Saorstát Eireann, and, if so, what are the quantities provided for and the terms.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - German Trade Agreement and Exports of Herring
Provision is made in the existing German trade agreement for the export to Germany of cured herrings during the period April to July, 1937. The quantity of herrings to be exported under the terms of the agreement will (as in the case of other Saorstát products) be contingent on the value of goods of German origin imported into Saorstát Eireann in the 12 months ending November, 1937. The terms of sale will be a matter for arrangement between Saorstát Eireann exporters and German importers.
Arising out of the reply, in view of the fact that one of the commodities which it is proposed to export to Germany under the agreement referred to is butter, and in view of the fact that there is now a scarcity of butter in this country, would the Minister open negotiations with the German Reich with a view to having them accept herrings in lieu of butter over the period outstanding? Deputies would do well not to laugh at this; there are men starving on the West Donegal coast because the Fianna Fáil Party betrayed them in this matter.
I am sure the Department of Agriculture will have that matter under consideration.
Thank you.