James Leonard
Question:4 Mr. Leonard asked the Taoiseach the percentage increase in North-South and South-North trade since the ceasefire ten months ago. [11829/95]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Statistics.
Official trade statistics are only available up to the end of 1994. Imports from Northern Ireland increased by 27.8 per cent in the period September to December 1994 compared with the same period in 1993. The corresponding increase for exports was 4.5 per cent.
I tabled a question following the peace initiative asking that the national plan be refocused and I was informed it would be re-examined in mid-term. I note that Monika Wulf-Mathies, Commissioner for Regional policies, at the White House conference stated it would be refocused to take account of the peace initiative.
Let us not deviate too far from the subject matter before us.
From the statistics I have given, the Deputy will perceive that Northern producers and exporters have fared particularly well in the new peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the North. There is a challenge and a window of opportunity for Irish exporters and producers. I assure the Deputy his comments will be taken into consideration in due course.
There has been a substantial increase in traffic on all roads North-South and South-North. Under the Operational Programme for transport the two main thoroughfares, Enniskillen-Cavan-Dublin and Derry-Monaghan-Dublin, received an increase of only 1.3 per cent under the allocation. Will the Minister of State re-examine the increase with a view to giving a fair allocation because of the increased traffic on those roads?
That is a subject matter for a separate question as the Deputy has strayed into the area of policy. I will certainly bring his comments to the attention of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications.