asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if there are any Irish manufacturers precluded, by arrangements, from exporting their products to the British or other markets.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Exports of Irish Products.
I am aware that certain subsidiaries of foreign companies operating in this country are under the disability referred to.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary agree, having regard to how vital exports are to the country, and to the exhortations being made to manufacturers in that respect, that some steps should be taken to withdraw this disability?
The Deputy may not fully understand the implications of what he is asking me to do. The subsidiary to a foreign based company is usually set up here on an arrangement between itself and the parent company, and wherever this matter is brought to the notice of the Minister, prior to the establishment of a subsidiary company, the necessary action is taken; but it happens that in some cases of arrangement between the companies themselves, the decisions are made by the companies here in Ireland.
The position is that certain subsidiaries of English companies cannot export to the British market, due to such an arrangement. If that arrangement continues in existence, and if the European Free Trade Area comes into being, we will be in a very serious position. Does the Parliamentary Secretary not consider that some steps should be taken to rectify that position?
It only applies to a few subsidiaries. It is not a matter of general practice.