asked the Minister for Lands if his statement in closing the debate on the Gaeltacht Services Estimate had reference to the sales of Round Tower hand-woven tweed; and, if not, whether he will make a statement clarifying the position pending the reopening of the homespun market.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Round Tower Products.
On reading over the account of my closing speech on the Estimate for Gaeltacht Services, I find that I may have unwittingly given the impression that the market for Round Tower hand-woven tweed as distinct from homespuns was highly unsatisfactory. That is not the case. The prospects for the Round Tower hand-woven tweeds are reasonably bright and contacts with foreign markets have already yielded satisfactory initial results. Orders have been received from the United States, Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, the Netherlands, France and Belgium. As much employment as possible is being provided for weavers in their homes and for workers in the spinning mill in connection with the production of the requirements of the Round Tower hand-woven tweed industry.
The homespun tweed industry is in a different position but negotiations are in progress to find a market abroad and there has been no relaxing of efforts in the home market. The Deputy will be glad to know that even in the short period since the debate on the Estimate for Gaeltacht Services the outlook for the homespun industry has considerably brightened.
Is the Minister aware that there is fairly widespread complaint that it is very difficult to obtain these hand-woven tweeds in the retail shops here and that, where they are obtainable, the price is fairly excessive? I wonder would the Minister inquire into the matter from that point of view?
I certainly will. That is interesting.