Vol. 440 No. 7
2 Mr. Deenihan asked the Taoiseach if the difficulties in compiling the trade figures will be resolved in view of the fact that the latest figures available relate to January to July 1993; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Following the completion of the EU Single Market in January 1993 customs declarations, the traditional source of almost all trade statistics, are no longer required for most movements of goods within the EU. A new EU-wide system for collecting intra-EU trade statistics, Intrastat, was introduced on 1 January, 1993. This Intrastat survey is conducted by the Revenue Commissioners, while estimation, data analysis and publication is the responsibility of the Central Statistics Office. Trade with non-EU countries continues to be based on customs documents.
Prior to 1993, trade statistics were far more timely than most other economic statistics because traders had to complete customs documentation in order to ensure the speedy movement of goods, and this documentation provided the basis for compiling the trade statistics. The new Intrastat data collection system for EU trade has lost this advantage, and is subject to the non-response and timeliness difficulties normally encountered in direct statistical inquiries.
The timeliness of publication has improved in recent months. However, considerable efforts will be required to significantly reduce the existing time lag. Over the coming year, it is planned to reduce the publication delay by at least three days a month on average.
Ireland is not the only country experiencing publication delays. The changes introduced by the new Intrastat system are of such magnitude that all EU national administrations are confronted by major problems in the collection, compilation and analysis of their trade statistics.
Will the Minister agree that the present time lag is hampering planning and preventing a proper analysis of our trade performance? Will he consider providing more resources and personnel to ensure an earlier announcement of our trade figures in future?
I agree that the sooner one has statistics the easier it is to make plans. That has always been a problem, but it is not related specifically to manpower and resources, rather it relates to a delay in people returning questionnaires. Previously the information was obtained from customs documentation, but questionnaires are now sent directly to companies. The delay arises as a result of people not sending back the questionnaires, the necessity to make follow up telephone calls and so on. A similar problem is experienced throughout the European Union, but the Central Statistics Office will endeavour to improve the position here.
Has the Minister's Department carried out a familiarisation or education programme to assist our exporters in adapting to the new system? Perhaps that could constitute follow up interaction between the Department and exporters.
The Central Statistics Office undertook to give extensive advance publicity to the new survey, but it did not have the desired impact. There is ongoing contact with importers and exporters by the Central Statistics Office and they have implemented an educational programme to keep people informed. Prior to the adoption of the new system the Central Statistics Office indicated that there would be delays, but it is trying to improve the position and will continue its education programme.
As this question relates to the efficacy of collecting information on our trade figures, perhaps I might be permitted to ask a questions in that regard. Has the Intrastat system contributed to a delay in the compilation of statistics? On the other hand, does it measure the effect of transfer pricing as between this economy and economies where large companies have their origins and have contributed to some artificial account of output here?
The delay was not caused by the introduction of the Intrastat system. Following the completion of the Single Market a separate means of collecting statistics had to be introduced. I do not have the information the Deputy requested in the second part of his question, but I will arrange to have it forwarded to him.
On a point of order, I tabled a number of questions to the Taoiseach, one relating to an IRA ceasefire and another to the activities of a particular judge who is interfering in the political arena.
The Deputy may not intervene now on that subject.
A number of questions were tabled a week ago and I did not receive notice as to why they are not on the Order Paper today.
If the Deputy had the courtesy to notify me of his intention to raise this matter I would be able to give him a considered reply, but he did not do so.
I tabled the questions a week ago.
My Office will examine the matter and in the meantime the Deputy will resume his seat. I will hear no further on the matter.
As I tabled the questions a week ago I should have received an explanation before 2.25 p.m. today as to why they are not on the Order Paper.
