asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if special attention will be paid to developing trade with the USA; if new lines of trading can be opened between the two countries; and if he is satisfied with the level of trade between the two countries at present.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade with USA.
53.
My interest is, of course, in developing Irish exports, and I can assure the Deputy that special attention is being and will continue to be paid to expanding exports to the USA. The steps taken to expand our exports have included the introduction of new products by Irish exporters and further new lines are being seriously investigated. Whilst the substantial increase in our exports to USA is gratifying, I am sure that a still further increase can and will be achieved by the continued efforts of our exporters and of Córas Tráchtála.
Is the Minister satisfied that in New York we have what we can describe as good marketing and selling machinery there? Is he absolutely satisfied that the selling ability in the United States for Irish goods cannot be improved on?
If the Deputy is referring to people employed by Irish firms and representing them in New York, I could not give a run down on all of their representatives. I know of some who are excellent and others whom I should like to see of more effective calibre. As far as Córas Tráchtála and their representatives are concerned, I can only express the highest praise for them. They are doing an excellent job. The Deputy will realise that ultimately they cannot sell; they can do everything else but they cannot sell.
In the event of a market being found in New York for an Irish product, can a guarantee be given of continuous supplies? If an article is put into a store in Jackson Heights in New York, at an attractive price, and if people find that they cannot get continuous supplies of it, they will lose interest. What steps are taken to ensure that those who like Irish goods will have continuity of supplies?
The question of continuity of supplies is vital if we are to succeed. What we try to do is that where there is a promotion of Irish goods, there is a follow-up shortly afterwards and then after a longer interval, another one to keep after the manufacturers in order to ensure that they keep up supplies. In so far as we can, we ensure that the manufacturers are doing this.