asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is satisfied with the level of exports to the United Kingdom; if he will identify the reason for the decrease in our share of the UK market; and the steps he proposes to take to rectify the matter.
Written Answers. - Exports to the United Kingdom.
24.
I am happy that the UK continues to be Ireland's most important and valuable export market and that our exports to that market are constantly growing both in value and volume terms. I am disturbed, however, that our share of the UK market has been on a downward trend since 1980. This trend, to some degree, is accounted for by the diversification of our exports into other markets — especially to the European Community — which are becoming more attractive. To the extent that it reflects problems in the areas of marketing, product design and development, product promotion, cost competitiveness and, most particularly, quality, it is a cause for worry. With a view to reversing this trend I directed CTT some months ago to reassess and intensify their promotion strategy for the UK.
An intensive promotional campaign by CTT is now in train, additional to their normal activities, and this is aimed specifically at increasing the quality, image and level of penetration of Irish products on the UK market. I also did a promotion visit to London last September during which I spoke to senior executives of leading UK retail stores which stock Irish goods.