andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that in the campaign for the promotion of whiskey exports for which a grant-in-aid is provided, use is being made of a badge bearing caricatures and words of a ludicrously stage-Irish nature; and whether he will make investigations into the matter with a view to stopping the use of devices of this kind which bring ridicule on this nation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Promotion of Whiskey Exports.
16.
The campaign is being conducted by persons who know their business and are familiar with the sales promotion and advertising techniques appropriate to the market.
I see no reason to interfere in the conduct of the campaign.
Did the Minister see this monstrosity? It is made in America, sent to Ireland for parcelling and forwarded again to individuals in America foolish enough to wear such a thing.
The Deputy is surely putting forward an argument?
Did the Minister see this badge which is being put on the market at the expense of the Irish taxpayer?
This is a piece of exhibitionism, Sir.
Who is on it?
I do not know whether it is the head of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Justice or not. However, I understand this caricature dates back over 100 years and that it was first made in contempt of the Irish people.
The Deputy is not asking a question; he is making a speech.
Has the Minister seen it?
I have seen it. I should like to tell the Deputy that the publicity campaign for the sale of Irish whiskey in the United States has been widely acclaimed in trade, economic and Press circles there. As far as the badge is concerned, there have been thousands of applications in response to the advertisements and there has not been one adverse comment on it, other than the Deputy's, of course.
With your permission, Sir, I propose to have this "yokibus" made available in the Library so every Deputy will have an opportunity of seeing the way this country is being caricatured by the Government.
Might I ask the Minister to make one of these badges available for the Tánaiste?
Why not?