asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if a firm (name supplied) was set up with a view to supplying goods for export only; and if he will give an assurance that this firm's products will not be sold on the home market with possible adverse effects on workers at Carrigaline, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Home Market Pottery Sales.
19.
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.
The firm has now been granted permission to sell on the home market a narrow range of ceramic gift articles which are not being manufactured at all, or are only being produced on a limited scale, by the other Irish potteries. There are substantial imports of the articles in question. In arriving at the decision to allow home market sales by this firm, the interests of the other Irish potteries were fully borne in mind.
Is the Minister aware that this firm have actually sold products on the home market which are in direct competition with Carrigaline Potteries?
The answer is as I have given to the House. They have been granted permission to sell, on the home market, articles which are being produced on a very limited scale or articles which are not produced here at all and which were being imported on a substantial scale.
The articles that are being sold by this firm on the home market have been produced in Ireland by people who are in direct competition with Carrigaline's main production. Is the Minister aware of this?
They have to get used to free trade.
I am not so aware.
If I can give the Minister information about this matter will he have an investigation carried out?
I shall.