asked the Taoiseach if he will state the amount in freights earned by Irish registered ships in respect of cargoes between ports outside the State in each of the years 1949, 1950 and 1951, and which may be regarded as contributing towards the reduction of the adverse balance of trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Shipping Freights.
It is assumed that the Deputy requires information with regard to earnings in respect of cargoes loaded and discharged at ports outside the State. These particulars are not available. Estimates are, however, available of gross freight earnings of Irish shipping companies less payments made outside the State (in respect of equipment, charter hire, repairs, bunkers, stores, harbour dues, etc.). These net earnings, which are relevant to the Balance of International Payments Statement, and are included in item 23 thereof, amounted to £713,000 in 1949, to £700,000 in 1950 and to £1,410,000 in 1951.
Is it not possible to get the amount of the freight earned apart from anything else?
I will inquire.