asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce why cigarettes, previously manufactured in Dublin under licence by a firm (name supplied), are now imported directly; and if he is satisfied that both the tobacco blend and the country of origin of the tobacco are still the same.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cigarette Imports.
58.
I have no responsibility for the matters raised in this question but I understand from the firm that, as a temporary measure, portion of their requirements of the brand in question is imported because the local factory will be unable to cater for the full demand until an extension is completed. The firm have informed me that the imports are made to a similar specification to these cigarettes manufactured in Dublin.
Can the Minister indicate when this extension is likely to be completed?
Late February to early March, 1975. The company stress that there are no plans to phase out production of any brands and that on the contrary, when the extension is operating all their requirements of cigarettes will be manufactured in the Dublin factory. During the period of extension the number employed by the company has increased.