Derek McDowell
Question:64 Mr. McDowell asked the Taoiseach the reason for the recent retrospective correction of export analysis by the Central Statistics Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8990/01]
Written Answers. - External Trade Statistics.
The external trade statistical release issued on 28 February contained revisions to the value of exports on foot of amended returns from enterprises. These arose as a consequence of the ongoing detailed investigation of the consistency of returns from enterprises to the various statistical inquiries, that is, trade, balance of payments and production.
When compiling the national accounts, the various primary statistics must be integrated into a balanced set of accounts. Resolving inconsistencies between external trade and other statistical inquiries is part of this integration process.
Through this consistency checking, it became apparent that there was a problem with valuation of some exports. The first task was to ensure the bottom line balance of payments-national accounts data were consistent. However, more investigation and discussion with enterprises was required to obtain the detail necessary to adjust external trade.
Accordingly, the recent retrospective correction to export data was based on the receipt of amended returns from some large enterprises.