asked the Taoiseach the tonnage exported through Dublin port in 1979, 1980, 1981 and up to 1 May 1982.

2.

asked the Taoiseach the tonnage exported through Cork port in 1979, 1980, 1981 and up to 1 May 1982.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together and to circulate a statement giving the information requested by the Deputy.

Following is the statement:

The total tonnage outwards at Dublin and Cork ports (including traffic at Whitegate) was as follows,

All exports including those in transit as well as coastal traffic are included.

Data for April 1982 are not yet available.

I object to the Minister answering questions in this way. Last week I had a question down regarding tonnage inwards to Dublin and Cork and I was also given this type of reply. This does not give us an opportunity of submitting supplementary questions. If the practice is to be repeated in the future the Government should extend us the courtesy of supplying us with the answers beforehand so that at least we can have the opportunity of reading the figures.

The contents of replies are not a matter for the Chair but for the Minister concerned. However, the Deputy has voiced his protest and we can only hope that it will be listened to.

I should like the Minister to let us have the figures now.

In million tonnes the figures were:

Can the Minister give the figure for the tonnage at Whitegate for the same years so that we might judge the effects of the closure there?

I do not have separate figures for Whitegate but if they are available I shall pass them on to the Deputy.