Austin Deasy
Question:5 Mr. Deasy asked the Taoiseach the annual value of imports and exports from and to the United Kingdom. [22347/97]
Ceisteanna—Questions. - Value of Imports and Exports.
In 1996 imports from the United Kingdom were valued at £7,808 million and exports at £7,463 million. The most recent month for which information is available is July 1997. In the seven month period January to July 1997 imports from the United Kingdom were valued at £4,848 million and exports at £4,833 million.
The value of our exports to Britain is less than the value of our imports from Britain. Perhaps the Taoiseach will raise this matter at the Heads of Government meeting at the weekend. He should point out in particular that the description of our beef as cheap is incorrect. Irish beef is the best in the world and fetches the highest price in the world. It is served in all the best restaurants in Ireland, England and throughout Europe. Let us give credit where it is due. I am fed up with the BBC, ITV and RTÉ describing the best product in the world as cheap.