asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce how many factories for the manufacture of boots and shoes (of all types) are now registered in Éire; and of these (1) how many are working full time; (2) how many are working part time; and (3) how many are at present closed down and idle for lack of orders.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Boot and Shoe Factories.
With regard to the first part of the Deputy's question, there are now 32 boot and shoe factories in Éire. With regard to the second part of the question, the latest period for which complete information is available regarding (1) and (2) is September, 1937, when in connection with the collection of voluntary returns of employment in protected industries, it was ascertained that four of the boot and shoe factories were working part time. With regard to (3) of the question, I am not aware that any of the boot and shoe factories is at present closed down and idle through lack of orders.
The Minister says that there are 32 boot factories in operation in Éire. Can he say what is the territorial definition of "Éire"?
That is a separate question.