Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Cement Imports.
- Cement import levels 8 speeches
Imports supplied 6.1 per cent of domestic cement supply in 1982 and 7.3 per cent in early 1983. The Minister lacked figures for readymix imports from Northern Ireland and a breakdown by EEC and non-EEC origin, and invited a further question on the latter.
Mr. Leonard, Seán Barrett, Joe J. McCartin, Ray Burke
- Monitoring imports from Northern Ireland 5 speeches
Mr. Leonard called for imports from Northern Ireland, including fertiliser and readymix concrete, to be monitored because records were not kept. The Ceann Comhairle ruled the question out of order.
Mr. Leonard, Thomas J. Fitzpatrick
asked the Taoiseach the percentage of our cement requirements being imported at present.
Comment on this
(Dún Laoghaire): In the year 1982 imports of portland cement accounted for 6.1 per cent of total domestic supply (excluding exports). In the period January-March 1983 the corresponding proportion was 7.3 per cent.
Comment on this
Has the Minister a figure, included in that, for the amount imported as readymix concrete from Northern Ireland?
Comment on this
The figure of 7.3 per cent seems a disgracefully high figure when we have unemployment running at such a high level. Of the 7.3 per cent could we have a breakdown as between EEC and non-EEC countries?
Comment on this
(Dún Laoghaire): I am afraid I do not have that information. It was not part of the question.
Comment on this
(Dún Laoghaire): If the Deputy will table a question, I will be delighted to give it to him.
Comment on this
Would the Minister of State not agree that it is time we monitored the importation of many products from Northern Ireland?
Comment on this
When we asked for the amounts of fertiliser, readymix concrete and other products imported we are unable to get the information. No records are kept because there is no embargo on these products coming into this country.