asked the Taoiseach if he will state the composition of direct investment in Ireland by the USA and by each of the EEC countries.
19.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Direct Investment in Ireland.
18.
asked the Taoiseach the amount of direct investment in Ireland by the USA and by each member of the EEC.
I propose, with your permission, Sir, to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together. The precise information requested by the Deputy is not available. It is not always possible to distinguish direct investment from other international capital transactions and, therefore, there is a considerable element of estimation in the derivation of figures for even total direct investment apart from such investment by individual countries. However, it is estimated, on a very approximate basis, that, in 1966, direct investment in the State by the USA and Canada, taken together, was about £3 million to £4 million and the direct investment by other OECD countries (excluding Great Britain) was about £2 million to £3 million. Particulars of the composition of direct investment are not available.
I do not know what sort of people are briefing the Parliamentary Secretary. This information is contained in detail in the last OECD Report and the purpose of the question was to get it on the records. I suggest the Parliamentary Secretary or his advisers should read the last report——
That would be an awful lot of trouble.
——in detail.
They are preoccupied with the single vote.