asked the Minister for External Affairs whether consideration is being given by the Government to the fact that countries in respect of which there is an excess of imports are not in many instances purchasing sufficient of this country's products, particularly agricultural products; and whether he will consider having trade agreements made or some procedure adopted to rectify the position.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports and Exports: Trade Balance.
When a trade agreement is being negotiated full advertence is given to the state of the balance of trade between Ireland and the country concerned, and where a country has the system of quota restrictions every effort is made to get a reasonable quota for the products we have to sell.
However, the fact that a trade agreement makes provision for the admission of goods does not always result in exports. Generally speaking successful exporting depends on the quality and price of what we have to sell.