asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the volume and value of Irish whiskey exported in the years 1972, 1973 and 1974; and how they compare with the figures for 1963.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Whiskey Exports.
4.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate in the Official Report a statement showing the information requested by the Deputy.
Following is the statement:
Exports of whiskey
|
Quantity |
Value |
|
|
Year |
Proof gallons |
£000 |
|
1963 |
155,242 |
330 |
|
1972 |
331,714 |
1,191 |
|
1973 |
448,909 |
1,715 |
|
1974 |
527,896 |
2,298 |
Would the Minister agree that because of the bottling strike during the Christmas period huge amounts of spirits were imported to substitute for the lack of the Irish products, and that this situation contributed largely to our adverse trade balance?
The question relates to exports, but I am pleased to say that in 1974 compared with 1972, for example, there was an almost 40 per cent increase in exports. I am aware that there was a replacement on the home market for home-produced spirits during the period of the strike, but the situation has recovered satisfactorily since then.