asked the Taoiseach whether, in view of his recent reported statement in New York following his meeting with the Rumanian Foreign Minister relating to Irish relations with eastern European countries, Ireland will now proceed to formalise her trading relations by protocol agreements and by other means as advised by the Irish Exporters Association to correct the export-import imbalance with those countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade with Eastern Europe.
1.
The possibility of developing exports to East European countries is under active consideration in the appropriate Government Departments. If it emerges from this examination that trade agreements would be likely to secure any substantial increase in our exports to these countries, the Government would be prepared to consider entering into negotiations with them.
So far as the establishment of formal diplomatic representation in these countries is concerned, the position is as stated by the Minister for External Affairs on 22nd February, 1968, in reply to a question in this House.
Would the Taoiseach explain why our trade with eastern European countries shows a very sharp adverse balance? How is it that we cannot get these people to buy as much from us as we buy from them? The trade is very much against us and can that position be rectified?
The great bulk of our imports from these countries are certain primary products which we find it to our advantage to import in order to ensure that manufacturers and others who use these products can be competitive. On the other hand, we find it very difficult to get these countries to take the kind of goods we have to export to them. That is one of the matters that is under continuing examination by the appropriate Government Departments and also by the Foreign Trade Committee.
Can the Taoiseach say if meetings will take place with the Irish Exporters Association?
In reply to the Deputy some weeks ago, I suggested that if they had any observations to make the Minister for Industry and Commerce would be glad to receive them. I do not know if they have done that.
Is the Taoiseach aware that our adverse trade balance is deteriorating rapidly and what action will he take to right this situation?
That is a separate question.
There is machinery and we use the machinery only when we feel it is to our advantage to do so.