asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he has discussed with the United States Government the likely effect of that country's recently signed Sugar Act on Irish confectionery exports to the US and, if so, with what result; whether he is aware that the Act will have the effect of imposing quotas on US confectionery imports and may thus undermine recent attempts by Córas Tráchtála and Irish confectionery manufacturers to expand exports in this field to the US; and what effect the Act will have on employment in this industry in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Confectionery Exports to US.
106.
The recent US Sugar Act and its effect on Irish exports of sugar confectionery have been the subject of discussions with the US authorities. Details of the quota arrangements under the Act have not yet been finalised by the US authorities and the matter is being pursued further with them, with a view to securing as satisfactory an arrangement as possible for Irish exporters.
Until information is available about the level of Ireland's quota and about how the quota scheme will be administered it is not possible to assess the effects of the legislation on employment in this industry in Ireland.