asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the use of Irish manufactured materials, including paint, glass, tyres, springs and upholstery, normally used on vehicles assembled at an Irish plant (particulars supplied), is prohibited in the case of cars assembled at that plant for the American market, and, if so, whether he will state the reasons for this prohibition, and if his Department have been consulted in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Use of Irish Manufactured Materials in Motor Car Assembly.
I am not aware of any prohibition on the use of Irish produced materials in the assembly here of cars intended for exportation to the American market.
Manufacturers are entitled to import without payment of customs duty and free of quota restrictions any article required for use in manufacture and subsequent export.
I should like to add that, in my view, the firm concerned deserve to be commended on having developed this trade, which is giving quite substantial additional employment, and I have no intention of putting any obstacle in its way.
Arising from the information I supplied to the Minister, can he say that inquiries were made by him and does he not think it desirable that whatever steps are open to him might be taken to encourage the use of materials manufactured in Ireland?
When I see a firm carrying on an important trade I am certainly not going to nag it.
May I take it that the Minister does not share my view that, in so far as possible, every encouragement should be given to such a firm to use Irish manufactured materials for all their vehicles whether for the home market or for the American market?
I think that this type of meddling question should be discouraged. Any Irish manufacturer can get the trade provided he can give competitive prices.
I think such a motive should not be attributed to me and in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply I propose to raise the subject matter of the question on the adjournment.
That will only make a bad situation worse. The Deputy wants to put a lot of Cork men out of their jobs.