asked the Minister for Lands and Fisheries whether his attention has been directed to a report that a "trade mission" under the guidance of the Department of Overseas Trade is leaving England this week for America for the purpose of studying the possibilities of expanding the American market for Scotch tweeds; and whether he will state what steps his Department proposes to take in order to advertise and open up the American markets for Donegal hand-spun tweeds made in the Gaeltacht.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Hand-Spun Tweeds.
No difficulty is anticipated in disposing of the present output of tweeds made in the Gaeltacht under the supervision of the Department. The number of weavers coming into the industry is now, however, rapidly increasing, and when the circumstances warrant such a step measures will be taken for the expansion of the business in America and other external markets.
Would the Minister mind saying what steps he proposes to take in America in connection with the latter part of the question?
When the occasion arises for taking these steps I will be able to tell the Deputy.
I suggest to the Minister that the time has now arrived to endeavour to increase the output and increase the market.
Not at all. The present market is quite sufficient to meet any amount we are able to produce or will be able to produce for some time.
Is the Minister aware that this is because his Department would not give a grant to the Ardara district to supply carding and breaking machines and dyeing vats?
The Minister is aware that that is not the case.