asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what encouragement his Department will give, and have been giving, to our manufacturers and farmers to export surplus goods and material in the foreign market.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Encouragement of Export.
As the reply is somewhat lengthy, I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it in the form of a statement with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:—
There is a special section in my Department charged with the task of assisting Irish producers of industrial goods to find markets in other countries for their products. Exporters are helped in many ways, e.g.:—
(1) the advice and guidance of officers experienced in these matters is freely at the disposal of any intending exporter;
(2) my Department supplies all available information regarding markets and market conditions in the countries concerned and, where necessary, obtains additional information through the Irish embassies, legations or consulates located in these countries;
(3) the information service at the disposal of exporters also covers such matters as customs duties, import controls or other Government regulations likely to have a bearing on the possibility of developing an export trade;
(4) whenever inquiries for supplies of industrial goods are received from other countries my Department arranges to put the inquirers into direct touch with potential exporters here or, where such exists, with the appropriate trade association;
(5) where necessary, representations are made, through the appropriate channels, to foreign Governments for the grant of import facilities for Irish industrial goods;
(6) in trade negotiations with foreign countries every effort is made to provide opportunities and secure facilities for the importation into these countries of Irish manufactured goods.
A comprehensive list of Irish exporting manufacturers and the goods they have available for export is prepared annually, and is given wide circulation through our embassies, legations and consulates abroad. The value of this list depends, of course, on the extent to which manufacturers co-operate with the Department in providing the necessary material which they are requested each year to supply.
A special company, Córas Tráchtála Teoranta, has been set up to promote exports to the dollar area. Its function will be to place at the disposal of Irish exporters a comprehensive service which will help them to market their goods successfully in the dollar area. The company, in the course of its activities, will conduct market surveys, supply information to exporters about outlets for goods, advise on methods of salesmanship, packaging and design, etc.
Arrangements for the exportation of agricultural produce are primarily the responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture.