Jobs ‘at risk’ over export credits

SUBSTANTIAL numbers of jobs and critical exports will be lost due to the Government’s refusal to extend the export credit guarantee system to Irish-owned business.

The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has said it is dismayed at the decision by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan not to extend the facility on the grounds that the sector is too small to merit inclusion.

‘’Effectively, the Tánaiste has decided it is not worth improving the export credit insurance options for Irish exporters on the basis that it covers only a small level of exports and is primarily one sector – the agri-food sector, and in one market mainly – the UK market”, said IEA chief executive John Whelan.