asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will seek a trade agreement direct with the West African countries of Ghana and Nigeria for the potential exports of dairy produce and processed meat products.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade Agreement with West African Countries.
24.
The potentialities of exporting Irish produce, including dairy produce and processed meat products, to Ghana and Nigeria have been under consideration. Market investigations have been carried out in these two countries by Coras Tráchtála Teoranta. Should it be found that exports to those countries would be facilitated by the conclusion of trade agreements, the Government will take steps to that end.
As the Minister is no doubt aware imports to and exports from these countries are arranged, as I understand it, through one organisation, the United African Association. Does the Minister not consider that this renders the situation very easy for a direct trading agreement with these countries? Further, as the Minister is probably also aware, it is impossible in the climate of these countries to keep cattle on account of disease and this makes the potential even greater for dairy products?
As I have informed the Deputy, Coras Tráchtála have had representatives in these two countries exploring the market possibilities. If it is felt that an extension of trade would be facilitated by trade negotiations and a trade agreement, we shall start such negotiations.