Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A variety of factors are at play when markets develop for Irish exports. It is rather difficult to attribute anything to one particular scheme and to claim that because a particular scheme was in place, exports to Pakistan have quadrupled in the past three years. The scheme did not apply to Pakistan at that stage, but that line of argument is difficult to sustain.

The total cost of the scheme is approximately €1 million. It is not really possible to attribute quantums of trade to the tax expenditure of €1 million across so many countries. To a large extent I am relying on the advice of the agencies, in this case, Enterprise Ireland, as delivered to me from the parent Department. My view is that, on balance, it is worth taking this advice. The cost is low. As a general principle, it is important that a small trading nation like Ireland should be exporting goods and services to as many markets as are feasible.