asked the Minister for Finance if he will comment on the disimprovement in Ireland's balance of payments figure and its possible future effect on employment here.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Balance of Payments.
95.
Only limited information is available in regard to the trend of the balance of payments in 1971. From such indications as are to hand so far, it appears that the trend has been improving in recent months and that for the year as a whole the deficit is likely to be no greater than in 1970, when exceptional imports of ships and aircraft are excluded.
The imports of ships and aircraft to which the apparent disimprovement is due have no adverse effects on employment. Indeed, they are welcome as an indication of the further improvement of our transport services.