asked the Taoiseach if he will outline in the form of a tabular statement the following information: (i) the total amount of imported processed foods in metric tons, with an itemised breakdown of all foods, (ii) the total cost of these imports, (iii) the imported processed foods of which a similar home-grown product or raw material is available in Ireland, (iv) the total amount of imported fresh foods in metric tons with an itemised breakdown of all foods, (v) the total cost of these imports, and (vi) the imported fresh foods of which a similar home-grown product is available in Ireland for each of the years 1970 to 1979 inclusive.

The preparation of all the details sought in the question would involve considerable time and effort. However, if the Deputy would repeat a similar question in two week's time I would hope to be able to give him particulars for the four years 1970, 1975, 1978 and 1979.