asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that a number of wood-cutting machinists have recently become unemployed due to the importation of woodwork in a partly manufactured state, which is being sold without a permit whilst Irish made and finished work by home workers can only be sold through the medium of licences and permits; and, if so, whether he will ensure that employers producing these or other goods and providing employment at reasonable rates for Irish citizens are not placed in a disadvantageous position when competing with agents who import foreign goods.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Unemployment of Woodworkers.
Mr. A. Byrne
As from the 5th June, 1948, all restrictions on the purchase and sale of timber have been removed and Irish made and finished work may now be sold and purchased without permit. I am aware that there is some unemployment in this industry and the question whether the imports of partly manufactured woodwork are such as to interfere with the market available for Irish manufactured articles of the kind, is at present being examined.
Mr. A. Byrne
Will the Minister see that, in the Government's earnest desire to reduce the cost of living, the dumping of manufactured or partly manufactured goods from foreign countries will not result in further unemployment in the home market?
I am not sure that that is not a separate question but, in so far as it relates to the question asked by the Deputy, I can assure him that active steps are being taken to ensure that this matter will be satisfactorily dealt with.
Mr. A. Byrne
And that excessive dumping will not take place in future?