asked the Taoiseach if he envisages an expansion of trade between this country and Italy as an immediate short term expansion of Irish exports prior to the finalisation of negotiations for Irish entry to the EEC.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade with Italy.
1.
In the course of our visit to Italy the Minister for Finance and I availed ourselves of the opportunity to urge on Italian Ministers the importance of an increase in our exports to Italy with a view to securing a better over-all balance in trade with that country. The possibilities in this sphere are, however, inevitably limited by the operation of the Common External Tariff and by the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Economic Community.
Could the Minister say if the common external tariff operates against young cattle, some of which have been imported into Italy from this country?
In recent months our exports of cattle have gone up.
Is it right to say that tariff does not operate against cattle of that age and weight?
The restrictions on imports into the Common Market apply to cattle going from Ireland, whether they are going to Italy, Germany or anywhere else.
Is it not a fact that there is no tariff on the cattle to which I refer?
There is a derogation up to the end of September in respect of this type of cattle.