andMr. Fox asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if, in view of the fact that this country had a deficit last year of £10 million in respect of trade with Eastern Europe, he will state what steps are being taken to rectify the imbalance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Trade with Eastern Europe.
35.
In the case of countries with which we have an adverse trade balance the general aim is to seek to improve the position by encouraging the expansion of exports.
The question of what special action might be taken to secure an increase in exports to State-trading countries, particularly those with whom our trade is in serious imbalance, is kept under continuous review by the Government Departments concerned.
During the past two years, trade discussions have taken place with a number of East European countries. Trade agreements have been signed with Bulgaria and Romania, and discussions with the others are continuing. It is hoped that there will as a result be improved possibilities for Irish exports.
As the Deputies are aware, the Government, through Córas Tráchtála, has made a wide range of grants, incentives and other services available to exporters. These facilities are, of course, available to firms exporting to Eastern Europe. In addition, as part of its range of services, Córas Tráchtála established an office in Vienna last year which has special responsibility for developing exports to Eastern Europe.
Apart from the crack about Vienna which looked well in the news last year, when the Minister states that his Department keep the matter under constant review what is the end result?
I did not get what the Deputy said.
The Minister states that his Department keep this under constant review. We have heard it repeated in the House that you keep it under constant review. What is the end result?
Nothing.
The Deputy may not have heard what I said in the reply. Apart from this continuous review there have been trade discussions with some of the European countries and, as I said in the reply, we have had agreements over the past 12 months signed with both Bulgaria and Romania. Discussions are continuing in relation to a number of the other countries. The end result is that I expect an expansion of our exports to those countries and a closing of the gap between the imports from and the exports to those countries.
Does the Minister not agree that the trade deficit has been constant for many years and that this statement of his that he keeps it under constant review does not carry weight any more in this House?
I do not accept that.
If the Minister does not he does not recognise facts.
I am pretty capable of recognising facts. I have not the figures for the import excess previous to 1970.
The question would embarrass the Minister.
The question related to the deficit last year. If the Deputy wants to know the deficit over a period he is entitled to put down a question.
The Minister specifically mentioned the office in Vienna. Would he be in a position to tell us the number of people employed in this office and what experience they have had?
That is a separate question. It does not arise.
It arises out of the Minister's reply.
It is a separate question, as the Deputy well knows.
It arises out of the reply given by the Minister.
It does not arise. I am calling Question No. 36.
On a point of order——
There is no point of order on this particular question.
It is not a point of order.
The Minister has specifically mentioned an office in Vienna.
The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.