asked the Taoiseach if he will state (a) the value of Ireland's exports to Italy in 1968 and (b) the value of imports from Italy in the same year; if he envisages an expansion of trade with Italy; and what steps are being taken to increase exports to that country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade with Italy.
6.
The value of Ireland's exports to Italy in 1968 was £1,674,181. Imports from Italy during the year amounted to £7,679,124.
As regards agricultural products, while the possibilities of increasing exports to Italy are continually kept under review, the prospects do not appear to be very optimistic, at least in the short-term, as the importation into Italy of the principal products of export interest to us, especially cattle and beef, are subject to the restrictions of the European Economic Community.
No opportunity is missed to give all possible assistance to the efforts of exporters. So far as the Italian market is concerned, an officer of the Embassy to Italy is engaged full time on the promotion of trade and other foreign earnings activities. Also, as the Deputy is no doubt aware, in the case of manufactured goods a wide range of grants, incentives and services has been made available to assist exporters. As was recently announced, a programme of new incentives and services aimed at stimulating and assisting a more rapid expansion of exports to markets other than Britain has been introduced by Córas Tráchtála. I might add that under this programme Córas Tráchtála propose to carry out market investigations in Italy, this coming autumn, for selected products.
While it is primarily a matter for exporters to find and develop outlets for their products, I hope that the additional incentives which the Government are making available will encourage Irish manufacturers to increase their efforts to expand their exports to such countries as Italy.
Is the Taoiseach aware that 100 per cent of the imports from Italy to this country could be produced here, especially boots and shoes? Is he further aware that imports of more that £7 million are depriving our people of jobs in our own factories, that due to the imports from Italy, especially of boots and shoes, factories here have to close down and over 700 have been thrown out of employment in this country; and, further, due to the fact that we are not bound to buy from Italy, can the Government not place some restrictions on the imports and protect our own factories and our own people who are employed in Ireland?
There are restrictions placed against imports of footwear into this country. It all ultimately depends on the practical patriotism of Irish people to buy Irish-produced goods, especially footwear in this context, because it helps not only to maintain Irish people in employment but also to maintain the economy of the country. I would take advantage of the Deputy's supplementary to appeal to Irish people to adopt this modicum of practical patriotism in this respect. Nothing can overcome that.
I agree 100 per cent with the Taoiseach in that.