I propose, with your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 42 and 43 together.
Total payments to date in respect of interest payments on deposits made by banks on behalf of Irish exporters amount to £805,000. It is estimated that the cost to the Exchequer in a full year will be of the order of £1¾ million.
Discussions have been arranged with the Irish banks with a view to continuing in operation the present financial arrangements for the payment of deposits on Irish goods.
The issues arising for this country from the extension of the scheme will be discussed at an early meeting with the British authorities.