asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, as promised in his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 7 of 31 May, 1988, the Government brought to the attention of the European Commission the problems which arose for Ireland's exports to mainland Europe as a result of the British seamen's strike; and if there was any positive result to these discussions.
Written Answers. - Exports to Europe.
138.
The problems created for our exporters by the events of last May have been brought to the attention of the Commission. As I anticipated in my reply of 31 May 1988, the Commission does not readily see what useful action it could take in particular circumstances such as these, involving industrial action by workers.
It has been put to the Commission that the particular difficulties experienced on that occasion serve to illustrate the relative disadvantages for our economy which are associated with our peripheral island location, particularly in the context of the impending completion of the internal market and construction of the channel tunnel.
The development of our transport links to Europe will be of great importance in combating the disadvantages of our peripherality and also offers the best defence against the effects of strikes outside our jurisdiction.
I can assure the House that the Government will seek the maximum possible financial assistance from the EC structural funds for the development of our access transport services.