asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism if he will request CTT to investigate the possibility of a trade mission to the new Republic of Zimbabwe and if he will endeavour to participate in such a trade mission to indicate the Government's commitment to developing commercial relations between that country and Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Mission to Zimbabwe.
14.
I am informed by Córas Tráchtála that they are currently carrying out detailed investigations into the export opportunities in the Republic of Zimbabwe. Based on their findings, the most appropriate promotional methods suited to the needs of Irish exporters in respect of that market will be selected.
If in that context it is felt desirable that, given my overall responsibility for trade, I should lead a trade mission to the Republic of Zimbabwe, I will give very careful consideration to the matter.
Will the Minister give the House some indication when CTT will complete their initial investigation?
An executive of CTT has attended a seminar in London organised by a major exporting organisation in the London area and they will be sending out a number of representatives to Zimbabwe to examine the situation on the ground. They have had a number of inquiries from individual exporters interested in particular areas. One area that would appear particularly interesting is the health care sector. The situation is ongoing. I cannot give a definite date by which the examination will conclude because every market throughout the world is examined on a continuing basis by CTT.
Will the Minister state if there has been any general review of the possibilities for this country of trade with aid to the Republic of Zimbabwe relating not merely to exports but to other aspects and other Departments? In the past a number of Irish State-sponsored bodies under various Departments assisted countries in the Third World. Is there any general review of the situation or is it being done piecemeal, Department by Department?
This is done in co-operation with CTT who are the leaders so far as doing the ground work on behalf of various Departments is concerned. I assume the Deputy has in mind organisations such as the ESB or Aer Lingus—the latter have training programmes for airline staff. This is continually under consideration not only for Zimbabwe but for other countries where we have trade links.