asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether, in view of the upward revaluation of the German mark and the likelihood of other currency revaluations in Europe, a concerted effort will be made by Irish industry and by bodies such as Córas Tráchtála etc. to extend existing markets and to gain new markets in Europe; whether the efforts of all the firms involved will be co-ordinated into a common market strategy; and whether he will take the initiative to ensure such a co-ordinated effort.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - European Markets.
80.
Government policy is to encourage and assist Irish exporters to develop existing and new markets both in Europe and elsewhere. The activities of Córas Tráchtála and the other specialised export agencies are directed towards the implementation of this policy.
Since the trading opportunities for Irish exporters vary considerably from one EEC country to another, the Government and the specialised export agencies have been urging Irish firms seek out the opportunities within EEC market which offer the prospects, and they will continue to assist Irish firms in their efforts in this direction. I can assure the Deputy that Córas Tráchtála will keep Irish exporters fully aware of any new export opportunities which arise in the various member states of the Communty as a result of developments in these countries. In the final analysis, the Government can only encourage and assist Irish firms in their export endeavours. The decision as to what actions will be taken by the firms is a matter for the firms themselves.
Doubtless the Minister is aware—this is a subject on which I have spoken in the past—that our imports from Germany have increased enormously in the past three or four years and that our exports to Germany, even in terms of sterling, have gone down substantially in the last three or four years? Does this suggest very successful efforts by anybody?
Is the Deputy referring to West Germany?
I am referring to West Germany.
I do not know what the Deputy's latest statistics are but he will be aware of the fact that within the course of the present year certain changes took place in Western Germany which made the market more favourable for our exports to Germany. In fact, there was a tax imposed on exports from West Germany and considerable efforts were made at that time to draw the attention of Irish exporters to this and to get them to take advantage of it. I have personal knowledge of the efforts made by some firms in this regard. I think they are paying off. The Deputy will appreciate that this kind of thing does not show up in a matter of a couple of months and certainly would not appear in any official statistics yet available.
Could I suggest to the Minister that for 30 or 40 years this country has been extremely badly treated by the Germans in relation to trade? I do not want the Minister to misunderstand me. I think efforts have been made by our people, but I do not think we have got a very good deal from the Germans at any time.
I would not quarrel with what the Deputy has said.
Thank you.