asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the estimated volume increase in imports and exports in 1978; and if the Government have taken any policy decision to curb the growth in non-capital, manufactured imports.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imports and Exports Volume.
19.
Provisional figures indicate that imports and exports during 1978 increased in volume by 1.1 million metric tonnes and 0.4 million metric tonnes respectively on 1977 levels.
No general policy to curb imports is feasible in view of this country's EEC membership and GATT commitments. We cannot for instance unilaterally place restrictions on imports from other member states of the EEC. Certain limited action is, however, open in relation to third country imports causing disruption on the Irish market. We benefit from an extensive range of restrictions in the form of quotas or ceilings imposed by the Community on all significant low-cost suppliers of textiles and clothing. In addition we have been successful in applications to the EEC Commission for national controls on imports of footwear and tyres, and we apply anti-dumping duties in the case of certain products.