Vol. 465 No. 6
9 Mr. Andrews asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade whether his Department has formulated an effective replacement for the export credit insurance scheme; and, if so, if he will give details of this replacement scheme. [10337/96]
As the Minister, Deputy Kenny, outlined to the Deputy in response to a previous question in June 1995, the State export credit insurance scheme was restructured at the end of 1991. In line with the restructuring, cover under the State scheme is offered to exporters on short-term political risk and on medium-term project risk, while cover on short-term commercial risk — which constitutes the bulk of demand from Irish exporters — is provided by the private sector. The Government policy is that the scheme should be operated in a way that assists the development of exports while taking due account of the need to protect the interests of the taxpayer. The Minister is satisfied that both of these objectives are being served under present arrangements and has no plans to replace or amend the current scheme.
Will the Minister of State indicate if the six trading houses under that scheme are still operating?
A separate question has been tabled by Deputy Séamus Brennan on this matter and I will reply to it separately.
Is the Minister of State satisfied that an effective replacement for the export credit insurance scheme has been implemented? Is he happy about what is happening at this time?
The Minister is quite happy about that.
Is the Minister of State happy about it? He is the Minister replying.
I am speaking on behalf of the Minister and I do not have a direct input in the matter. Having been a junior Minister, the Deputy is aware of a junior Minister's input into these decisions. Given that the Deputy has served in junior and senior positions in this House, he is being facetious.
That is a hurtful remark. The Minister of State is suggesting that I am being facetious. I could be bold and naughty in response to his answer. It is clear that he does not have the facts at his disposal. I will leave it at that and I will not make any other response. Ministers replying to questions in the House should have full information, which the Minister of State clearly does not have.
