Peter Barry
Question:193 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade the nature and size of our trade with Iran; whether this represents a balance in our favour; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Trade with Iran.
Ireland's trade with Iran grew steadily from 1985 to 1989 with trade surpluses in Ireland's favour in each year. The surplus for 1989, which amounted to almost £105 million, was chiefly due to our exports of meat and meat preparations.
While Irish exports to Iran have been dramatically reduced since 1989 due to the fall off in meat exports, the trade balance has remained in Ireland's favour. The provisional figures for 1992 show total trade at £12.6 million with exports making up £11.9 million of this figure. Every effort is being made to ensure that trade in meat resumes quickly.