asked the Taoiseach what particular foodstuffs are responsible for the increase from 29.5 per cent to 39.8 per cent of the British share of food imports to Ireland from 1965 to 1970; what are the principal reasons for such increase; and if steps will be taken now to encourage the production of such food at competitive prices in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Food Imports.
3.
A large part of the increase in imports in the food sector from the United Kingdom between 1965 and 1970 is accounted for by a rise in imports of fat cattle from the Six Counties to meet a demand from butchers here. The other main increases arose under the following headings: miscellaneous food preparations; horses—permanently imported; biscuits and other bakery products; sugar confectionery; fruit and vegetables; coffee; cocoa paste and fish and fish preparations.
Our whole industrial promotion campaign is designed to raise the level of manufacture to the highest possible degree particularly in relation to goods based on native raw materials. At the same time in an open economy such as ours the need for variety must be recognised and, therefore, imports will always be a feature of our trading situation.
I might mention in this connection that the Government-aided National Development Association has for some years been engaged in a vigorous campaign to encourage the purchase of Irish-made goods. This campaign has my full support and I would urge everyone in the country to co-operate in a practical manner with the efforts of the association.
May I ask the Taoiseach how increases in horses permanently imported could have had any effect on the increased British share of food imports? Is there any evidence that we eat these horses?
They come under the heading of live animals and food and, therefore, I had to specify these in order to distinguish them between animals brought in, as we have brought in fat cattle for butchering.
The question relates to food imports.
Yes, but under the heading come live animals and, therefore, I had to distinguish between them.
The Taoiseach was not asked for information about live animals we do not eat. He was asked for information about food imports.
Under the heading of live animals, there are animals that are killed and eaten in this country. I thought the Deputy was always looking for information and it was only right and courteous that I should give as much information as I could give.
It is a strange excuse for increasing food imports.
I am calling Question No. 4.