asked the Taoiseach whether any further organisational progress has been made since he last spoke of developing trade relations with the Eastern European countries to correct the balance of payments deficit with these countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade with Eastern European Countries.
2.
Discussions have been commenced with several countries of Eastern Europe in regard to trade. As a result, an official delegation will visit Bulgaria this month for more detailed talks, including, possibly, the question of concluding a trade agreement. Further discussions are also expected to take place with the other countries concerned but no firm arrangements to this end have yet been made. It is not possible to indicate at this stage what results may be obtained from these moves, but it is, of course, hoped that they will lead to increased exports of Irish goods.
Would the Taoiseach agree that the time has arrived to take firm steps to correct the alarming imbalance in the trade position which exists between ourselves and all these countries, where we are importing far in excess of what we are exporting to them?
We have been taking steps. While the imbalance is still substantial, the surplus against us has halved in most of these countries in the past 12 months. I think that is good progress.
Could the Taoiseach say whether it is correct that legislation was passed over five years ago empowering the Government to restrict imports from these countries if they did not buy products from this country to a similar proportion; if there is such legislation has that legislation been used as a threat; and, if so, has any progress been made?
It has been used as a threat in some cases, but as the Deputy will appreciate most imports we take from these countries are primary products or raw materials for our industry. It would be disadvantageous to our exporters and our manufacturers if they were not given access to the cheapest raw materials possible.