Trade Statistics.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 November 2008

Thursday, 20 November 2008

Ceisteanna (62)

Brian Hayes

Ceist:

62 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide a breakdown of the number and names of Irish businesses carrying on business with any companies from Bhutan which are known to her Department; if she will provide a breakdown of Bhutanese companies trading with Ireland; the trade links that have been fostered with Bhutan; if there are plans to foster such links in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42024/08]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy John McGuinness)

The official statistics show that during last year and so far in 2008, Ireland has neither exported nor imported any goods to or from Bhutan. Therefore no companies from either country engaged in trade. Bhutan is not a priority market for Ireland at this time, and we have no plans to foster trade links there in the foreseeable future.