asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state, with reference to his recent promise that a determined effort to explore and exploit new markets will be made, what means will be employed; and in what countries this will be done.
97.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Export Markets.
96.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give details of any attempts being made to diversify the markets for Irish industrial exports.
With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take together Questions Nos. 96 and 97.
It is, of course, primarily a matter for exporters to find the best and most rewarding markets for their goods, and many exporters are already selling a wide range of goods in markets outside Britain. Over one-third of our exports of manufactured goods go to markets other than Britain and this proportion is growing.
Córas Tráchtála are already giving considerable assistance to firms to enter new markets, through their normal activities and through their various incentive schemes.
In conjunction with my Department, they are examining urgently the possibility of introducing additional measures to help exporters to develop exports still further to markets outside Britain. It is hoped that some useful measures will be developed. The markets to be developed will be those which hold most promise having regard to the nature of the goods being exported.
Could the Minister indicate where he expects to get new markets?
There are many areas under investigation but I suppose the most obvious target is the German market because of the arrangements made recently in Germany to increase the cost of German exports and to reduce the tax on German imports.
Are there any exports to the Japanese market? How is the Japanese Market?
It has been investigated, but there are other areas of considerable interest to us.
Can we do anything about an Irish campaign? I have got presents with "Déanta sa tSeapáin" on them.
You are obviously getting the wrong kinds of presents.
We could export souvenirs to Japan.
We export television sets to Hong Kong.
Did the Japanese make them at Shannon?
No.