asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he will give details of the development of Ireland's trade with Canada over the last ten years and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Trade with Canada.
25.
Total trade between Ireland and Canada has been growing steadily over the past ten years, rising from £34.3 million in 1975 to £126 million in 1980; it was £152.4 million in 1982, £172.3 million in 1983, and £250.4 million in 1984. It is expected to rise again in 1985. Ireland's exports for the same period have been £69.2 million, £80.6 million, £150.2 million and are estimated at £170 million in 1985. Prior to 1984 the trade balance had consistently favoured Canada but in 1984 we recorded a surplus of £50 million. We expect this surplus to rise to about £80-£90 million this year. The Deputy will be aware that details of these figures up to October 1985 are available in the CSO.
Our exports to Canada have grown fairly spectacularly in the past two years. CTT have been active in the Canadian market in identifying new opportunities. They expect to see solid, if less spectacular, progress in the next year or two. In 1986 they intend to provide services for, and to organise, 120 exporter visits. There have been some difficulties in the past year in relation to beef exports and these have had my particular attention.