asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if any special effort is being made or is contemplated while sterling is in a weak position in order to maximise this country's exports to EEC countries other than the UK.
Written Answers. - Exports to EEC.
117.
Córas Tráchtála, who have statutory responsibility for the promotion and development of exports, constructed their export programme for 1973 at a time when it was clear that Ireland's competitive position in certain EEC markets could be affected by reason of movements in international currencies. The programme includes the greatest number of trade fairs and exhibitions, marketing seminars and market investigations ever undertaken by Córas Tráchtála in EEC countries other than Britain.
Total exports to the EEC as originally constituted increased from £52 million to £108 million between 1971 and 1972 and the figures available for the early months of 1973 show a further substantial increase.