asked the Taoiseach the total value of Irish exports to Italy for the first nine months of this year; the total imports from Italy for the same period; and what efforts are being made by the Government to increase exports to Italy.
9.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade with Continental Countries.
8.
asked the Taoiseach the total value of Irish exports to France for the first nine months of this year; the total imports from France for the same period; and what efforts are being made by the Government to increase exports to France.
10.
asked the Taoiseach the total value of Irish exports to Germany for the first nine months of this year; the total imports from Germany for the same period; and what efforts are being made by the Government to increase exports to Germany.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 9 and 10 together and to circulate in the Official Report a statement giving the particulars of imports and exports requested by the Deputy for the first eight months of this year—the latest period for which such information is at present available.
Our diplomatic missions in the three countries, and indeed in all countries where we have representation, are required to regard the promotion of exports and other income from abroad as a first priority among their functions. The opportunities offered by these markets are being energetically pursued by our missions.
As regards the main agricultural products, imports into Italy, France and Germany come within the scope of the European Economic Community Regulations but the possibilities of increasing exports from this country are being actively investigated. The following is the present position concerning the individual countries, with all of whom we have concluded trade agreements.
Italy
With a view to exploring the possibilities of exporting agricultural products, especially cattle and beef, to Italy, the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries visited Rome in September for discussions with the Italian Minister for Agriculture and Forestry. Following this visit, some specially-prepared beef was sent to Italy to try out the market, and considerable efforts are also being made to develop a trade in young feeder cattle to Italy.
France
Under the Irish-French Trade Agreement, which was renewed earlier this year, provision has been made for the import into France of a number of products, especially lamb, horsemeat and fish, which are not subject to EEC regulations.
Germany
Under the Irish-German Trade Agreement, which was renewed earlier this year, provision has been made for the import into Germany of a number of products, especially canned meat, lamb and fish, which are not subject to EEC regulations. In addition, under a special arrangement negotiated last month, Germany agreed to arrange for the purchase of 2,000 Irish cattle during the current "off-the-grass" season ending on 30th November.
In regard to industrial goods, the development of export trade is primarily a matter for the private interests in whose hands trade lies. However, for the purpose of promoting increased exports, the Government provides a range of aids and incentives to exporters. These include the tax relief on export profits as well as the facilities provided by Córas Tráchtála and described in their annual report, copies of which are presented to the Dáil each year.
It is normally a matter for exporters themselves to decide which markets they would supply as they are in the best position to judge which markets will give the greatest reward for their efforts. Córas Tráchtála does, however, advise manufacturers and exporters on the opportunities available for selling their products in a particular market: this organisation has an office in Frankfurt which has particular responsibility for the promotion of Irish exports to Germany.
Following is the statement:
VALUE of trade with certain countries in January-August 1966.
|
Country |
Total Exports (f.o.b.) |
Imports (c.i.f.) |
|
£ |
£ |
|
|
Italy |
569,701 |
3,356,439 |
|
France |
4,539,169 |
5,155,733 |
|
Germany, F.R. |
7,470,748 |
14,726,615 |
Is the Taoiseach not aware that we are buying twice or three times more from those countries than they are buying from us and that, to use the words of the previous Taoiseach, the Government were "sitting on their fannies" for the past three years and did not wake up to the seriousness of the situation until the stable door was closed and then, in the past few months, we had the spectacle of Minister scurrying over to Italy, Germany and France in an endeavour to get markets for cattle when they should have been doing that a year ago?
That is a separate question.
We are not buying three times more from them but somewhat less than twice. It is not satisfactory but——
What are the Government trying to do to right that imbalance of trade with those countries?
I gave great detail in my answer.
Surely the export of 2,000 cattle to Germany is not doing anything to relieve the situation? It works out at .036 per cent of our total exports.
That was a concession which was given after hard bargaining by myself and the Minister for External Affairs and the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries. It was not easy to get it.
Yes, when the stable door was closed: you should have tried to get a better bargain.